New Delhi: A ruckus erupted in the Rajya Sabha Wednesday morning after CPI(M) MP John Brittas accused BJP MP Sushmita Dev of making derogatory remarks against him by calling him a ‘lungiwala’.
The BJP MP’s alleged remarks led the CPM to hit back, terming it an insult to South Indians. Brittas did not mention Dev’s name inside the House but referred to her while interacting with the media.
Brittas, who represents Kerala in the Rajya Sabha, said he has moved a privilege motion against Sushmita Dev.
The alleged incident took place on 10 August during a discussion in Rajya Sabha on the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha and the chairman maintained that there should be no disrespect. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned until 2 pm amid uproar over Sushmita Dev’s alleged disparaging remarks against Brittas.
“Sir, it is with a heavy heart that I raise this matter because it’s a question of the garima (dignity) of this house, its prestige and honour. And it’s a bipartisan issue. Let me just tell at the outset I’m a proud Indian, South Indian and of course a proud Malayali, sir. I cherish every moment being a Malayali, our language, culture, cuisine and of course our Constitution celebrates our diversity,” Brittas said in the Rajya Sabha.
“Sir, if you ask me when I’m leaving this house, which can happen very soon, what is the takeaway from this house? I would certainly say that the biggest takeaway would be this sterling diversity which holds the unity of this nation in a unique way. That would be my takeaway. Sir, the other day, an honourable member who I hold in high esteem, let me just say, that member came here and was disturbing me when I was fulfilling my obligation as a mover of a statute of resolution… Verbal debate is fine, we debate with each other… She repeatedly called me lungiwala, lungiwala,” he added.
Brittas told the media he has served a privilege notice against Sushmita Dev. “The other day, while I was speaking in the House, she made a derogatory remark—lungiwala—against me. I was wearing a dhoti, and I am proud to be a Malayali, proud to be a South Indian. And these are all part of our culture. But such stereotypes are made in a derogatory manner, which is not acceptable,” he told the media.
“And I feel that the House should take a view on this that we have moved a privileged notice against her. I have nothing against her, of course,” he added.
However, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju while speaking in the Rajya Sabha said he had not heard what Brittas was alluding to.
“Sir, in this August House, every honourable member is equal, we are all equal Indians. Yes sir, if there is anything which is objectionable or which is unbecoming of the character of the nation or the dignity of the house, I would like to request the honourable chairman to call the member to your chamber and listen to what happened. Because, I am not witness to whatever honourable member is saying,” said Rijiju.
Referring to Sushmita Dev’s comment, Brittas told the media: “It is shorthand for othering… The remarks she made are unbecoming of a Member of Parliament, and I believe the Hon’ble Chairman and the Committee of Privileges will take note of this.”
The chairman in his ruling maintained that all members should be careful not to hurt the sentiments and feelings of fellow members.
“Honourable members, certain incidents have come to my notice regarding discourteous and undignified comments being made by members interrupting the speech of other members in the house. Our culture is unique. I would advise the honourable members to be careful not to hurt the sentiments and the feelings of fellow members,” the chairman said.
Reacting to the controversy, Congress MP Christopher Tilak backed Brittas, saying: “It was an insult by the BJP to South Indian culture. It is not just about the attire. Yesterday, one of the senior Members of Parliament from the Rajya Sabha, John Brittas, was presenting his question when a member from West Bengal insultingly called him ‘lungiwala, lungiwala.’ This is very unfortunate in a nation with so much diversity. This clearly shows the BJP’s attitude towards the non-Hindi-speaking belt.”
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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