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3 min readApr 21, 2026 09:03 PM IST
The notice says Pappu Yadav allegedly remarked that women in politics “come only after sharing beds with some leaders”, adding that such statements “hurt the self-respect and social dignity of women”. (@pappuyadavjapl/X | Image enhanced by AI)
The Bihar State Women’s Commission on Tuesday issued a notice to Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, seeking an explanation over remarks that he allegedly made about women in politics that the panel has termed “derogatory” and damaging to their dignity.
In a letter, commission chairperson Apsara said it had taken suo motu cognisance of a video circulating on social media in which the MP is heard making objectionable comments about women active in political life.
The notice says Pappu Yadav allegedly remarked that women in politics “come only after sharing beds with some leaders”, adding that such statements “hurt the self-respect and social dignity of women”.
Seeking an explanation, the commission asked why such a statement was made and questioned why action should not be recommended against him. “Why should a recommendation not be made to the Lok Sabha Speaker for cancellation of your membership?” the notice asked. It has directed him to submit a reply within three days of receiving the letter, describing the matter as urgent.
The commission’s intervention follows the circulation of a video clip in which Yadav makes broader claims about the treatment of women. In the clip, he says, “Gharelu hinsa kaun kar raha hai? Mahilaon par giddh drishti kiski hai? America se lekar Bharat tak, netaon ki (Who is committing domestic violence? Who casts predatory eyes on women? From America to India, it is politicians).” Subsequently, he goes on to make the allegedly objectionable comments about how women succeed in politics.
He further says, “Yeh to aa raha hai daily… har din aa raha hai netaon ka CCTV footage… aurat ko nochne ki ek kusanskriti ban gayi hai (This is coming out daily… every day there is CCTV footage of leaders… a culture of exploiting women has developed).”
The commission, in its notice, has taken exception to the remarks specifically about women in politics and has sought a clear justification from the MP.
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The controversy comes in the backdrop of a heated political row following the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to facilitate delimitation, expand the Lok Sabha and provide reservation for women in state legislatures and the Lok Sabha. The development triggered sharp exchanges between the ruling alliance and the Opposition.
Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance. Professional Expertise & Credentials An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Himanshu brings a rigorous academic foundation to his investigative work. His expertise is characterized by a "ground-up" reporting style, most notably demonstrated during his extensive coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he analyzed shifting political landscapes and grassroots sentiment. Specialized Beats Himanshu’s portfolio reflects versatility, allowing him to navigate diverse industries and social issues: Civic & Legal Affairs: Extensive experience covering the Delhi reporting beat, focusing on policy implementation and judicial impact. Automotive Industry: A technical background in reporting on India’s evolving transport and automotive sectors. Social Fabric & Human Interest: Beyond hard news, he is known for exploring the changing social dynamics of India’s urban and rural heartlands, bringing a human-centric lens to systemic issues. Personal Interests & Digital Literacy Outside the newsroom, Himanshu’s deep engagement with technology and gaming informs his understanding of digital trends and the modern information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse personal interests contribute to a well-rounded perspective that resonates across both traditional and digital media platforms. ... Read More
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