'70-80% of politicians watch ...':Pappu Yadav stokes fresh controversy, day after 'bedroom' sexist remark

NEW DELHI: A day after courting controversy over his remarks, Independent MP Pappu Yadav on Wednesday stoked a fresh row while giving a clarification.While talking to reporters, Pappu Yadav defended his remarks by claiming that 70 to 80 percent of politicians watch porn.Responding to the notice from the Bihar State Women’s Commission over his remarks related to the Women’s Reservation Bill, he said, "I have said this on the Floor of the House too that 70-80% of the 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 that that women will never be respected in politics."In India, women are called goddesses, but they will never be respected here. System and society are responsible for this. Who is indulging in domestic violence? Who preys on women, from America to India, it is politicians! 90% of women cannot start in politics without going to a male leader's room," he said.

"A culture of exploiting women has become ingrained. Go to school, and your daughter faces exploitation; go to college, and exploitation in the name of ragging; go to the office, 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 comment, 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."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.This comes as PM Narendra Modi criticised the opposition for not supporting the 131st Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to advance reservation for women after delimitation. He called Congress, DMK, TMC and SP of being anti-women.