John Brittas claims BJP MP called him ‘lungi wala’ during his Parliament address: ‘Proud to be a Malayali’

Chaos unfolded in the Rajya Sabha over BJP MP Sushmita Dev's alleged derogatory remarks against MP John Brittas. Addressing the house on Wednesday, the CPI(M) leader stated that Dev repeatedly referred to him as a "lungiwala" during his address on Monday, August 10.The CPI(M) leader alleged that the Dev had interrupted him when he was moving the statutory resolution against the Income Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026. He added that the BJP MP got up from her seat and came next to him as she made the remarks. (PTI)Brittas raised the issue during Wednesday's proceedings and stated that the Bharatiya Janta Party MP repeatedly referred to him as a "lungiwala"The CPI(M) leader alleged that the Dev had interrupted him when he was moving the statutory resolution against the Income Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026. He added that the BJP MP got up from her seat and came next to him as she made the remarks."The other day, while I was speaking in the House, she made a derogatory remark, lungi wala, against me. I was wearing a dhoti, and I am proud to be a Malayali, proud to be a South Indian. These are all part of her attire culture. But such stereotypes are made in a derogatory manner, which is not acceptable. I feel that the House should take a view on this; we have moved a privilege notice against her," Brittas told the House."A member came here while I was fulfilling my duty as a member (reading a resolution against a bill) and was disturbing me, repeatedly calling me lungiwala," he saidThe CPI(M) leader also moved a privilege notice against Sushmita Dev and criticised the use of stereotypes in parliamentary discourse.JP Nadda condemns remarks, but backs MPAddressing the incident, Rajya Sabha Leader of the House JP Nadda said that Brittas's remarks have come on record. he added that while the comment was not right, Nadda asserted that Sushmita Dev should also be allowed to speak."We do not subscribe to such statements. We do not call it lungi; we call it dhoti," said Nadda.Union parliamentary affairs Kiren Rijiju also stated that the dignity of the House must be maintained."Every member is equal in the House, and if there is anything unbecoming of the dignity of the House, the Chairman may call the members to his Chamber and hear them out," he said.No space for disrespecting cultural and religious identitiesTaking note of the exchange, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and vice president of India CP Radhakrishnan issued a formal observation, urging members to maintain decorum and respect regional sensibilities."Hon'ble Members, certain instances have come to my notice regarding discourteous and undignified comments being made by Members, interrupting the speech of other Members in the House. I would advise that Hon'ble Members should be careful not to hurt the sentiments and feelings of fellow Members," the Chairman stated."Our culture is unique and inclusive of diverse regional cultures. There should be no disrespect to the cultural traditions and regional identities of our colleagues," he added further.