Rajya Sabha adjourned after CPI(M) MP alleges 'lungiwala' jibe; Opposition wears mundu

The Rajya Sabha functioned for only about 21 minutes on Wednesday before being adjourned amid an uproar over a remark allegedly made by BJP MP Sushmita Dev against CPI(M) member John Brittas. The incident took place during proceedings earlier this week, with Mr. Brittas accusing Ms. Dev of addressing him as 'lungiwala' while he was speaking on a statutory resolution against the Income Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026.

After the House was adjourned, Opposition MPs staged a protest at Makar Dwar, the main entrance to Parliament House. Several male MPs wore mundu, a traditional garment commonly worn in Kerala and other parts of South India, as a mark of protest. They raised slogans celebrating 'unity in diversity'.

Soon after listed papers were laid on the table of the House, Mr. Brittas raised the issue, describing it as a matter concerning the dignity of the House and respect for India's diversity. 'It is with a heavy heart that I raise this matter. It is a question of the prestige and honour of the House. I am a proud Indian, a proud South Indian and a proud Malayali. Our Constitution celebrates our diversity,' he said.

Mr. Brittas alleged that while he was moving the resolution on Monday, Ms. Dev left her allotted seat and repeatedly heckled him, referring to him as 'lungiwala'. The allegation drew support from Opposition members, several of whom attended the proceedings wearing mundu. Treasury Bench members, however, insisted that Ms. Dev should also be given an opportunity to present her version.

Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan, in his ruling, said members should avoid remarks that could hurt the sentiments of fellow parliamentarians. '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 honourable members should be careful not to hurt the sentiments and feelings of fellow members,' he said. '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,' the chairman added.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that since Mr. Brittas had made allegations against another member, Ms. Dev should also be heard. 'That member should also be allowed to make a point,' he said, adding that if anything objectionable had been said, the chairman could call both members and ascertain the facts. BJP women MPs stood up at their seats to protest against the Opposition's demand that action be taken against Ms. Dev.

Leader of the House J.P. Nadda also urged the Chair to allow Ms. Dev to speak. He said the House respected the attire and traditions of every State and that Ms. Dev's version should be placed on record. The House was then adjourned for the day's pre-lunch session after the protest by Opposition members.

The row highlights the sensitivity around cultural symbols and regional attire in parliamentary discourse. The mundu, a plain white or coloured cloth worn around the waist, is an integral part of Kerala's traditional dress and is often worn on formal occasions. Opposition MPs said the alleged remark was an insult to South Indian culture and demanded an apology from Ms. Dev.

Ms. Dev has not yet made a statement in the House. The matter is likely to be taken up again when the House resumes, with the government insisting on a fair hearing for both members.