Independent MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, has landed in a fresh political controversy after remarking that “90 percent of women cannot succeed in politics without entering the rooms of politicians.”
Speaking at a press conference on the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill, Pappu Yadav raised the issue of atrocities against women, from homes and offices to legislative bodies. He claimed that politicians are at the forefront when it comes to exploiting women, adding that politicians, from the United States to India, cast predatory eyes on women.
A video of his remarks has gone viral on social media, in which the MP is heard saying, “Without going into the rooms of leaders, 90 per cent of women cannot enter politics. From schools and colleges to offices, girls and women are being exploited everywhere. They are also being harassed through domestic violence.”
However, the statement drawing the most criticism is his claim that, “politicians prey on women. The reality today is that without entering a politician’s bedroom, 90 per cent of women cannot succeed in politics.”
Meanwhile, the Bihar State Women’s Commission (BSWC) has taken cognisance of the remarks and issued a notice to him, asking him to explain why a recommendation should not be made to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for termination of his membership.
The notice states: “You have issued a derogatory statement regarding women working in the political sphere. Specifically, you asserted that women engaged in politics attain their positions solely by sharing a bed with one politician or another.”
“Such remarks inflict deep injury upon the self-respect and social dignity of women. Taking suo motu cognisance of this matter, the Bihar State Women’s Commission demands an explanation from you as to why you issued such a reprehensible statement. Furthermore, you are required to explain why a recommendation should not be made to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to terminate your membership of the House. You must submit a clear response regarding your aforementioned derogatory statement within three days of receiving this letter,” the notice added.
Yadav attempted to clarify his remarks appearing live on Facebook on Tuesday. He said that he was speaking about broader issues of exploitation. “I have maintained that for women to enter politics, they must endure exploitation,” he said.
“I am fighting the battle for everyone, from the young girl involved in the NEET controversy to the girl from Manipur,” he added.
“Have you forgotten the Gautam and Shilpi scandal of Bihar? The ‘Balika Grih’ (girls’ shelter) scandal took place in Muzaffarpur, people across Bihar know this. So why does it cause discomfort whenever the issue of politicians is raised?” he claimed.