Rajya Sabha disrupted after 'lungiwala' jibe: Opposition seeks apology
The Rajya Sabha was thrown into disarray on a recent sitting day after a Member of Parliament, Brittas, alleged that a treasury bench MP had referred to him as “lungiwala” in a derogatory manner. The incident prompted strong protests from the Opposition and an intervention by the Chair.
Raising the matter in the House, Brittas said the MP from the treasury benches came and stood behind him, disturbed him, and repeatedly used the offensive term. He described the act as a deliberate attempt to humiliate him, pointing out that “lungiwala” carries a regional and social connotation, and its use in Parliament is unbecoming of a lawmaker.
The term “lungi” traditionally refers to a sarong-like garment worn in many parts of South India, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia. While it is common clothing for millions, its use as a pejorative in political discourse has been criticised as insensitive and condescending. In India, the lungi is especially associated with the southern states, and its use as a taunt in a national forum has been viewed by many as a slight against the region's culture and identity.
Immediately after the complaint, Opposition members rushed into the well of the House, demanding an apology and a clear condemnation of the remark from the government. The Chairman had to repeatedly appeal for calm. Treasury bench members, however, remained non-committal and denied any malicious intent, according to sources present in the chamber.
Rajya Sabha rules explicitly prohibit the use of unparliamentary language. Under Rule 188, the Chair may order the expunging of such words from records. In recent times, several similar incidents have drawn attention to the declining quality of parliamentary debate, with members repeatedly crossing the line of propriety in the heat of argument.
Later, while speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Brittas asserted that the remark reflects the mindset of certain members who disrespect the cultures of other regions. He urged the Chairman to take appropriate disciplinary action against the offending member. The Opposition is also expected to give a breach of privilege notice, a move aimed at holding the member accountable for using insulting words against a colleague.
Several leaders have taken to social media to condemn the remark, calling it an attack on the dignity of citizens who wear a lungi. Activists and civil society groups have expressed solidarity with Brittas, and have urged the presiding officers of both Houses to ensure that parliamentary discourse remains respectful and rooted in constitutional values.
The government has not yet made a formal response. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs was not available for comment at the time of writing. The episode is likely to be taken up in the next meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, where the Opposition is expected to press for a statement or action.
This is not the first time that personal remarks have marred proceedings in Parliament. Past sessions have seen members apologising for similar comments, but critics argue that the frequency of such behaviour is increasing. The Ethics Committee of the Rajya Sabha is empowered to examine complaints against members and can recommend appropriate punishment, including suspension, though such referrals are rare.
Political observers note that such personal attacks detract from crucial legislative business and erode public faith in democratic institutions. Since the start of the current session, several important bills have been stalled due to disruptions, and the “lungiwala” episode has only added to the logjam.
As the House adjourned for the day, parliamentary officials were seen speaking to members of both sides, presumably to defuse the friction. Whether the incident will lead to an apology, a formal resolution, or simply be remembered as another sad chapter in Parliament's declining decorum remains to be seen. The demand for accountability, however, continues to resonate beyond the Chamber.
