Independent MP Pappu Yadav from Purnia, Bihar, has triggered a major political row after making controversial remarks about women in politics during a press conference on the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill.
Speaking on the issue, Yadav said, “In India, women are called goddesses, but they will never be respected here. System and society are responsible for this,” and added, “90 per cent of women cannot do politics without entering the room of politicians.” The remarks drew sharp criticism and were widely termed objectionable.
Yadav also said the weaker sections do not have adequate representation in positions of power. His comments came amid debate over the Constitution Amendment Bill linked to women’s reservation, which was defeated in the Lok Sabha after opposition parties opposed its linkage with the Delimitation Bill.
Congress leader Mumtaz Patel, reacting to Yadav’s statement, said, "It was deeply shocking. It was very shameful and very derogatory. Instead of coming together to support us women, to speak like this, to speak ill of women is very shocking."
The Bihar State Women’s Commission sought an explanation from the leader and issued suo motu cognisance.
"Taking suo motu cognisance of this matter, the Bihar State Women’s Commission seeks an explanation from you as to why you made such an offensive statement. It also asks why a recommendation should not be made to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the cancellation of your membership," it said in a statement.
“It is stated that in a video circulated on social media, you have made an objectionable statement regarding women working in the political sphere. In the video, you are heard saying that women who enter politics do so by sharing a bed with some politician, which hurts women’s self-respect and social dignity," the statement said.
The controversy has escalated further with the National Commission for Women issuing a ‘no-tolerance’ statement over the remarks.
"The statement made by MP Mr Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, on women's political participation is highly objectionable, insensitive, and contrary to the spirit of the Constitution. It reflects a narrow and discriminatory mindset that limits women's rights,” Vijaya Rahatkar, NCW Chairperson, said.
“The Bihar State Women's Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of this matter. The Indian Constitution provides equal rights to women, and today women are playing powerful roles in leadership positions from Panchayats to Parliament. At a time like this, such comments not only insult their potential and achievements but also undermine efforts to bring about positive change in society. This statement is condemnable and completely unacceptable. The country will no longer tolerate any views that are against the dignity and equal participation of women. Mr Pappu Yadav should publicly apologise unconditionally for his statement,” she added.
The row comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the opposition for refusing to back the approval of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2026, relating to women's reservation following delimitation. He described the Congress, DMK, TMC and SP as ‘anti-women’.