MP from Bihar’s Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, has made a highly vulgar and crass comment about women politicians. Pappu Yadav said that women’s politicians careers start in men’s rooms. With government looking to boost women participation in politics, Yadav’s comments highlight why many women are still reluctant to join politics as they have to face such misogyny.
Addressing a press conference in Purnia, Bihar, Yadav suggested that a vast majority of women cannot survive in politics without access to private spaces controlled by male politicians. The remark, has drawn widespread criticism.
“Sabse jayada Bharat me yadi kisi pe yon shoshan ka aarop hai toh pehla number pe hai neta, tab hai baba, tab hai padadhikari. (Most of the sexual harassment charges in India are against politicians, babas and officials),” Yadav said.
Taking cognisance of the objectionable remark, The Bihar State Women’s Commission has issued a notice to the independent MP.
The notice was issued by the office of the Commission Chairperson, Apshara, who took suo motu cognisance of the matter.
The Commission stated that the remarks attributed to the MP were objectionable, indecent, and against the dignity of women.
Pappu Yadav has been given three days to submit his reply. The controversy comes days after the Lok Sabha rejected the Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at implementing women’s reservation from the 2029 general elections.
Meanwhile, clarifying his position, Pappu Yadav said that his remarks were not directed against women but were intended to highlight the alleged exploitation faced by women in politics.
He maintained that he has consistently raised his voice against crimes targeting women and questioned the Commission’s role in addressing such issues.
