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"What mistake did I commit?' Pappu Yadav refuses to apologise for remarks on women
Independent MP Pappu Yadav defended his controversial remarks on the Women’s Reservation Bill on April 24, 2026, saying he would apologise if his comments hurt anyone and questioning what mistake he had committed. The episode triggered action by Bihar’s State Commission for Women, with suo motu cognisance, and reports of an NCW notice, amplifying scrutiny over remarks about women in politics and the broader debate on women’s representation.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights tensions over women’s representation in politics and the response of state commissions and national bodies to MPs’ remarks touching on gender and exploitation in politics.
Timeline
4 Events
Yadav links remarks to wider issues of exploitation of women in politics
April 24, 2026
Yadav claimed his comments were meant to highlight issues faced by women in politics, saying he was fighting women’s fight and that male politicians exploit women to bar them from entering politics; he asserted that the remarks were in context of broader debate on women’s representation and the Women’s Reservation Bill.
NCW notices and Yadav’s defiance noted in media
April 24, 2026
Reports indicate that the National Commission for Women had issued a notice to Yadav, which he described as something he was defying, prompting coverage titled Pappu Yadav Defies NCW Notice, Doubles Down on Remarks Amid Massive Political Row.
Bihar State Commission for Women takes suo motu cognisance and seeks explanation
April 24, 2026
The Bihar State Commission for Women took suo motu cognisance of the issue related to Yadav’s remarks and sought an explanation from him. The commission also indicated that a recommendation to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for cancellation of his membership could be considered.
Pappu Yadav defends remarks and questions need for apology
April 24, 2026
Independent MP Pappu Yadav defended his remarks on the floor of the House, saying he would apologise if his comments hurt anyone and that he was speaking in defense of women entering politics. He asked, 'What mistake did I commit, for which I have to apologise?' and pledged to protect his daughter and sisters in politics, insisting he would apologise if his remarks hurt someone.