BSP takes lead, ‘won’t field’ rape accused

Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati today said that any person facing charges of rape or sexual assault should not be given a party ticket to contest elections.

Her statement came a day after the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) released a report stating that six MLAs, including one from the BSP, had declared having charges of rape against them in their sworn affidavits submitted to the Election Commission at the time of their election.

According to ADR, BSP MLA from Bulandshahr Mohammad Aleem Khan has rape charges against him.

Mayawati said her party agreed with the view that those accused of rape should not be fielded by political parties in elections. "The BSP will follow this," Mayawati said.

Regarding Union minister Shashi Tharoor's suggestion that the revised anti-rape law be named after the Delhi gangrape victim, Mayawati said, "It could be done but only if the victim's family has given its approval." The central government should call an all-party meeting and take a decision in consensus with everyone.

Mayawati said the Delhi incident had come as a shock for the entire nation, but the Centre as well as the state governments were yet to change their attitude to such incidents. Incidents of rape and sexual assault were continuing because the Centre and state governments were in slumber.

"Soon after the Delhi incident, the Centre should have consulted with the Chief Justice of India and state governments with chief justices there to ensure faster trial of rape cases, justice to victims and stern action against the accused. But the government had only condemned the incident and expressed grief on the death of victim," Mayawati said.

She said the Centre in 2012 wasted time and energy on issues that were not public-centric. "Important bills related to constitutional amendment for quota in promotions, national food security guarantee and Lokpal could not be passed last year," she said.

... contd.

ALSO READ

At AMU, students more bothered about ban on motorbikes than wearing sherwanis

Mulayam pep talk for backward caste leaders

Acquitted in riot case, Varun free of all charges in Pilibhit

Lokayukta files complaint on ‘misuse’ of MLA funds