Left parties today demanded an apology from Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for his comments on rape. CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat said that Yadav's comment is most shocking and condemnable.

She said there is an urgent necessity for a code of conduct for political leaders against sexist and anti-women remarks. In a statement, the CPI said, Yadav's comments amounted to brutalising the wounds of victims of such crimes.

Congress leader Rita Bahuguna also criticised Mulayam Singh Yadav for his remarks. Terming it as very tragic, she said if rape is a mistake then what could be said as heinous crime.

BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sita Raman termed it as abhorrent and shocking.

The National Commission for Women today sent a notice to Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav's over his remarks on rape during an election rally in Moradabad.

The Commssion also sent a letter to the Election Commission of India to take cognizance of the matter and take action to curb such incidents in future.

Terming Yadav's remarks highly irresponsible, Chairman of NCW, Mamta Sharma said the Commission has issued a notice to Mulayam Singh Yadav over his remarks on rape.

The All India Women's Conference also slammed former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's statement on rape. It said the comment amounts to defending a crime of the most heinous kind and also encourages goondaism.

Mulayam Singh at a rally in Moradabad on Wednesday had questioned the death penalty awarded to three accused in Shakti Mills gang rape case in Mumbai and defended those who commit such heinous crimes. He further said the law will be changed if his party comes to power.