Yadav’s statements about politicians and exploitation of women in politics sparked outrage, leading to scrutiny by the Bihar Women’s Commission.
The Bihar MP, known as Pappu Yadav, has repeatedly found himself at the center of controversy over his public statements, which have often sparked nationwide outrage and, on several occasions, sparked legal troubles.
This time, Yadav came under fire after receiving a notice from the Bihar Women’s Commission over his remarks related to the Women’s Reservation Bill. In defense of these statements, he sparked another controversy by saying that 70 to 80 percent of politicians watch pornography.
The controversial remark about women and his response to the Women’s Committee notice
Reacting to the notice served on him by the Bihar State Women’s Commission over his controversial remarks on women – where he suggested that most women in India cannot enter politics without going to the “male leader’s room” – Yadav once again managed to make his remarks controversial, saying that 70-80 percent of politicians watch pornography and should be checked.
“I also said this in the council chamber that 70-80% of politicians watch pornography. So, check everyone. If there is pornography on my phone, check me too…Who are these people who sent me a notice? Who are they with? There are many pictures with former ministers. People who live in a glass house should not throw stones…” he said.
He justified his statements by saying that male politicians are the ones who do not allow women to enter politics without exploiting them.
“I am fighting the women’s battle… They are exploiting women… There is sexual exploitation against 755 male politicians and there are indictments against 155… The whole of India is tainted. If I am talking about male politicians, why are they bothering (the Women’s Commission)?… These politicians are exploiting women and then talking about the Women’s Reservation Bill…”
Comments that triggered the notice
While speaking about the Women’s Reservation Bill on Tuesday, Yadav pointed out that women will never be respected in politics, as they are often “preyed upon” by politicians.
His statement that “90% of women cannot start in politics without going into a male leader’s room” – sparked widespread controversy, with political leaders accusing him of making anti-women statements.
“…In India, women are called goddesses, but they will never be respected here. The system and society are responsible for this.”
“Who indulges in domestic violence? Who preys on women, from America to India, it’s politicians! 90% of women cannot start politics without going to the male leader’s room,” he said.
He added, “The culture of exploiting women has become ingrained.”
“Go to school, your daughter is facing exploitation; Go to college, exploitation is in the name of subversion; Go to office, exploitation is also there…” Yadav said. “Leaders act like vultures towards women.”
Not the first controversy
This is not the first time that Yadav has raised controversy with his statements.
In 2025, during the Maha Kumbh stampede, Yadav said politicians and wealthy individuals should take a dip in the Sangam and “die in the Maha Kumbh” to achieve ‘moksha’.
He said: “I will not mention the name of the ‘Baba’ but I will quote him… He said that all those who died in the stampede have attained ‘Moksha’. So, I want most of the ‘Babas’, politicians and big money people too to take a dip (in Sangam) and die there to get ‘Moksha’ or ‘Kalyan’. I am saying such ‘Babas’ should get ‘Moksha’.”
Karishma Ayaldasani is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, where she works with the digital team on fast-moving breaking stories from India and around the world. She enjoys covering national and global news, with an emphasis on providing updates quickly and clearly so readers can understand what’s happening as it unfolds. She is comfortable in high-pressure newsroom settings, and regularly contributes live blogs, explainers and real-time coverage. Before joining Hindustan Times, she was part of the digital team at The Indian Express, worked with the social media team at Firstpost, and spent time as a creative strategist at Clematis Advertising. Outside of work, she loves exploring different art forms and relaxing with music. With more than three years of experience in fast-paced newsrooms, she brings curiosity, clarity and consistency to her work.Read more
