New Delhi, Apr 21 (PTI) National Commission for Women (NCW) chief Vijaya Rahatkar on Tuesday condemned the remarks by Bihar MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav on women’s political participation, calling them objectionable, insensitive and against the fundamental spirit of the Constitution.
In a post on X, Rahatkar said, “The statement is highly objectionable, insensitive and against the fundamental spirit of the Constitution. It reflects a narrow and discriminatory mindset that seeks to limit women’s rights. The Bihar State Women’s Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter.” She noted that the Constitution guarantees equal rights to women and that they are “providing strong leadership from panchayats to Parliament. Such remarks not only insult their capabilities and achievements but also weaken efforts toward positive social change.” Calling the statement “condemnable and completely unacceptable”, the NCW chief said the country “will no longer tolerate any ideas that undermine women’s dignity and equal participation” and demanded that Yadav issue an unconditional public apology.
A video has gone viral on social media in which the Independent MP from Purnea purportedly tells reporters, while commenting on the issue of women’s reservation in legislatures, that “90 per cent of women cannot do politics without going into a leader’s room.” The MP, however, defended his remark, saying he only highlighted “the fact that many women end up being exploited by those whom they consider their mentors.” Meanwhile, the Bihar Women’s Commission has slapped a notice on Yadav, asking him to respond within three days as to why the Lok Sabha speaker should not be approached with a recommendation for his disqualification.
“We have taken suo motu cognisance of the objectionable remarks made by the Purnea MP. Further action may be taken upon receipt of a reply from him,” Commission Chairperson Apsara said. PTI KSH MPL MPL
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