Independent Lok Sabha MP Pappu Yadav has once again drawn sharp criticism after alleging that a large majority of lawmakers consume pornographic content and daring authorities to examine his own phone for verification.

The Purnea representative, whose legal name is Rajesh Ranjan and who contested with Congress backing, made the statement while responding to a notice previously issued to him over remarks about women’s participation in politics. He had earlier claimed that most women cannot enter political life without facing inappropriate demands from male leaders — comments that triggered outrage and led to action by the Bihar State Women’s Commission.

Addressing the notice, Yadav reiterated his stance and broadened his attack, asserting that 70 to 80 percent of politicians watch adult content. He said that if authorities wished to scrutinise his phone, they were free to do so, and questioned the legitimacy of those challenging him.

He further escalated the controversy by claiming he possessed photographs involving a member of the state women’s commission alongside political figures and warned that he could release them publicly. According to him, male politicians routinely exploit women while simultaneously advocating for gender-focused legislation.

Yadav also alleged that hundreds of male political figures across India have faced accusations related to sexual misconduct, with many charge sheets reportedly filed. He questioned why his statements were being singled out when, in his view, misconduct in politics is a larger systemic issue.

Both the Congress and the BJP criticised his remarks, distancing themselves from the sweeping claims and condemning the language used.

The controversy unfolds in the wake of a failed attempt to pass a Constitutional Amendment aimed at accelerating 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Although the proposal secured a simple majority, it fell short of the two-thirds support required for constitutional changes. The outcome marked a rare instance of united opposition blocking a major government reform measure.