70-80% of politicians watch porn: Another shocker from Pappu Yadav

Independent MP Pappu Yadav, who earlier sparked a row with his sexist remarks on women joining politics, courted another controversy on Wednesday, when he claimed that 70-80 per cent of politicians watched pornography. Pappu Yadav, whose original name is Rajesh Ranjan, demanded that their phones, including his, be checked for such adult content.

The Independent MP from Purnea, backed by the Congress, earlier faced backlash after he spoke about the women’s reservation issue, claiming that “90 per cent of women cannot enter politics without going into a male leader’s room,” drawing sharp criticism for being misogynistic. He was then served a notice by the Bihar State Women’s Commission over his sexist comments.

Responding to the notice, Pappu Yadav defended his earlier remarks and 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?"

Pappu Yadav also claimed he had photographs of Sajal Jha, a women's commission member, with several leaders and said he would make them public.

"There are several photos of former ministers. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. I had said that male politicians do not let women enter politics without exploiting them. Is that incorrect? I am fighting a women's fight. They exploit women," he said.

He said there were allegations of sexual exploitation involving 755 male politicians across the country and questioned why the Women’s Commission was objecting to his remarks. He alleged that some politicians exploit women while simultaneously advocating for the implementation of women’s reservation law.

"There is sexual exploitation against 755 male politicians and there are chargesheets against 155. The whole of India is tainted. If I speak of male politicians, why are they (Women's Commission) troubled? These politicians exploit women and then they speak of the Women's Reservation Act," he said.

Both the Congress and BJP lashed out at Pappu Yadav for his controversial remarks.

The Purnea MP’s remarks came against the backdrop of the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which sought to fast-track 33 per cent of women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, failed to get a two-thirds majority in the Lower House. With 298 votes in favour and 230 against, the bill fell short of the 352 votes required to amend the Constitution.

The defeat marked the first time in 12 years when Opposition parties managed to unite and block a key government proposal, even as the NDA accused them of undermining a landmark reform aimed at increasing women’s representation in politics.

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