Pappu Yadav Defends Remarks on Women's Reservation Bill, Refuses to Apologize

Independent MP from Bihar's Purnea Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, on Friday defended his remarks on the Women's Reservation Bill, saying "I will do anything to protect" women entering politics. Yadav questioned whether he had committed any wrongdoing that warranted an apology, adding that his stand was in support of the country's daughters and that he would apologise if his comments had hurt anyone.

"What mistake did I commit, for which I have to apologise? To whom will we apologise? If any of my mothers or sisters enter politics, I will do anything to protect them. If any of our sisters entering politics are hurt, we will maintain that all our daughters are safe and clean. If, despite this, anyone who is creating a hue and cry is hurt. When I am fighting for my daughter, if someone is hurt by my conduct, what harm do I have in apologising to them?" he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Yadav also alleged that leaders, officials and capitalists were "feasting on the rape of girls aged 6 to 12", and suggested that his earlier remarks should be seen in that context. "The world knows that after the Epstein case, nothing is left. All the leaders, officials, and capitalists are feasting on the rape of girls from 6-12 years old. Should I apologise then?....I'll do anything to protect the respect of my daughter and sisters from politicians and not hurt them. If I have to apologise 1 billion times, I will," he said.

Questioning those who issued notices against him, he said, "Who are these people who have served me a notice? Who are they with? People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

The remarks come after Pappu Yadav made a series of controversial comments about politicians and women in politics, triggering strong criticism and prompting the Bihar State Commission for Women to take suo motu cognisance of the issue. "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.

On the allegations and proceedings initiated against him, Yadav 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."

Alleging widespread exploitation in politics, Pappu Yadav said, "I had said that male politicians do not let women enter politics without exploiting them. Is that incorrect?" He further claimed that his comments were meant to highlight issues faced by women in politics, adding that he was "fighting women's fight."

Reacting to criticism, he said, "If I speak of male politicians, why are they (Women's Commission) troubled?" He also connected his remarks to the broader debate on women's representation in politics, stating, "these politicians exploit women, and then they speak of the Women's Reservation Bill."