Is rape a 'mistake'? BOO Mulayam Singh

Nobody in his sane mind would think so. Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, though, is a notable exception.

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav may find many supporters when he says those convicted of rape should not be handed capital punishment.

But to term such cowardly, inhuman acts a 'mistake' reflects how insensitive the male-dominated Indian society is to such crimes.

The former UP chief minister, who aspires to be India's prime minister, said he would change the laws that allow capital punishment for rapists.

"Rape ke liye phaansi dena ghalat hai. Ladkon se galti ho jaati hai. Hum satta mein aaye to kanoon mein badlav karenge (It is wrong to hang someone for committing rape. Boys do make mistakes. If we come to power, we will change such laws," ANI quotes Mulayam Singh.

Such comments by politicians, who can influence a large number of people, not only encourage anti-social acts but also speak of the deep prejudice that many men have towards women.

BOO Mulayam Singh for demeaning women by likening rape to a mistake.