Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: A day after courting controversy with a sexist ‘bedroom’ remark, Independent Bihar MP Pappu Yadav on Wednesday sparked a fresh row while issuing a clarification.Defending his earlier comments, Yadav said that 70 to 80 per cent of politicians watch porn. Responding to a notice from the Bihar State Women’s Commission over his remarks, he said, “I have said this on the Floor of the House too that 70–80 per cent of politicians watch porn.”“So, get everyone checked. If there is porn on my phone, check me too. Who are these people who have served me a notice? Who are they with? There are several photos with former ministers. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” he added.Earlier on Tuesday, the parliamentarian from Bihar said women will never be respected in politics.“In India, women are called goddesses, but they will never be respected here. The system and society are responsible for this. Who is indulging in domestic violence? Who preys on women—from America to India, it is politicians! Ninety per cent of women cannot start in politics without going to a male leader’s room,” he said.Also read | ‘90% of women can’t enter politics unless …’: Pappu Yadav’s ‘bedroom’ slur stirs big row; BJP seeks action“A culture of exploiting women has become ingrained. Go to school, and your daughter faces exploitation; go to college, and there is exploitation in the name of ragging; go to the office, and exploitation is there as well. Leaders behave like vultures toward women,” he added.His statement triggered widespread controversy, with political leaders accusing him of making anti-women remarks.Taking note of the comments, the Bihar State Women’s Commission sought clarification from the leader. “Taking suo motu cognizance 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.Also read | Rahul Gandhi’s Bengal rally fails to get police nod; Congress hits out at Mamata“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 added.This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the opposition for not supporting the 131st Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to advance reservation for women after delimitation. He accused the Congress, DMK, TMC and SP of being anti-women.
