BJP seeks explanation from Akhilesh over Azam Khan's comment

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday sought an explanation from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on senior minister Azam Khan's statement that mobile phones were a big cause for rapes in the state.

Alluding to Khan's statement that mobile phones were triggering rapes of small children on a television channel on Friday, BJP state spokesman Vijay Bahadur Pathak said Yadav was a big supporter of digital projects in the state and should explain if he subscribed to the Samajwadi Party minister's statement.

"Akhilesh Yadav has given free laptops to students in the state, free wi-fi in many spots in the state capital, has given smart phones to ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) Bahu's for improved healthcare, he will have to come clean on the issue and his silence is not acceptable" the BJP leader added.

Azam Khan who holds the urban development, minority welfare and many other important portfolios has, in the past, issued statements which have left the state government red-faced.

The BJP spokesman said the government should focus on improving law and order, and create an environment of safety.

He also referred to the statement of SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav during the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 that "rapes were mistakes committed by boys during their youth".

"Such statements embolden rapists."