‘90% women cannot enter politics unless…’: Pappu Yadav’s ‘bedroom’ slur sparks big controversy; BJP seeks action

New Delhi: Independent MP from Punia, Bihar Pappu YadavComments about men’s “predatory” gaze on women, especially in the political sphere, prompted a strong reaction from the state women’s commission and the BJP. Yadav was speaking on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 131, 2026, which failed to pass in the Lok Sabha and has since been used by the ruling party to accuse the opposition of being “anti-women”. “It is a travesty if the issue of women’s dignity is raised in the Lok Sabha. In India, women are called goddesses but they will never be respected here. The system and society are responsible for this,” he said.“Who is responsible for domestic violence? From the US to India, who is treating women with predatory intentions? Politicians. 90 per cent of women cannot even enter politics without access to politicians’ bedrooms. The culture of exploiting women is deeply ingrained,” he added.The Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded an apology from Pappu Yadav, calling the statement “shocking”. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said: “Shocking statement! Look what DRC-backed MPs are saying when the country is backing Nari Shakti! Congress MP Pappu Yadav has made a controversial statement on women’s issues. He said that 90 per cent women cannot join politics without entering the leader’s room. This is their mindset.”Taking note of the comment, the Bihar Women’s Commission sought clarification from the leader. “In view of the matter, the Bihar Women’s Commission has asked you to explain why you made such offensive remarks. It has also asked why a recommendation should not be made to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to cancel your membership,” the Bihar Women’s Commission said in a statement.“It is alleged that in a video circulating on social media, you made objectionable remarks about women working in politics. In the video, someone said that women enter politics by sleeping with politicians, which hurts women’s self-esteem and social dignity. “Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the opposition for not supporting the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 131, 2026, which seeks to provide reservation to women after delimitation. He called the Congress, DMK, TMC and SP anti-women.