Bihar MP Rajesh Ranjan, Pappu Yadav, has once again sparked controversy with his remarks on women in politics, drawing sharp criticism from political leaders and a formal notice from the Bihar State Women’s Commission.The Independent MP from Purnea, who is supported by the Congress, came under fire after a video of his comments on the Women’s Reservation issue went viral on social media. In the clip, Yadav allegedly stated that “90 per cent of women cannot do politics without going into a leader’s room,” a remark widely condemned as misogynistic and demeaning.Following the backlash, the Women’s Commission took suo motu cognisance of the statement and issued a notice asking Yadav to explain why further action should not be recommended, including approaching the Lok Sabha Speaker for possible disqualification. Commission Chairperson Apsara said the remarks were objectionable and warranted scrutiny.Rather than retracting his statement, Yadav intensified the controversy while responding to the notice. He claimed that “70–80 per cent of politicians watch porn” and challenged authorities to check everyone’s mobile phones, including his own. He questioned the credibility of the Commission and accused it of selective action, suggesting that those issuing the notice were themselves not beyond reproach.The remarks triggered strong reactions from leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala called the statement shocking and said it undermined efforts to promote women’s empowerment.BJP leader Tuhin Sinha also criticised Yadav, describing his comments as “despicable” and accusing him of insulting self-made women in politics.Yadav, however, defended his remarks, arguing that he was highlighting systemic exploitation faced by women. He claimed that many women, including students and professionals, face harassment in institutions and workplaces, and that politicians and other powerful figures are often responsible. He also cited historical figures such as Guru Gobind Singh and Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who advocated for women’s rights, to support his argument that Indian society has long struggled with gender inequality.The MP further alleged that issues like female foeticide, domestic violence, and lack of representation of marginalised communities reflect deep-rooted societal problems. He linked these concerns to broader systemic failures involving political leaders, officials and influential institutions.In the viral video, he was also heard talking about the plight of Dalit people and those belonging to the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC).Noting that there is not a single EBC industrialist, he said, “Only one daughter of a Dalit has become a judge in the history of the Supreme Court.””They are not in the Army, not in the police, not even as a media channel owner…not a single EBC, not a single SC-ST. Not a single EBC is in any monastery, not a single Dalit in the trust of any monastery or temple,” he claimed.Noting that there is no one to talk about the rights of Dalits and EBCs, Yadav demanded the uplifting of women’s status in general. With PTI inputs