Rajya Sabha Storm Over 'Lungiwala' Jibe: CPM MP Moves Privilege Motion, BJP MP Denies
The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed an uproar after CPM member John Brittas alleged that BJP MP Sushmita Dev called him a "lungiwala" during a debate over the Income Tax (Amendment) Ordinance. The incident is the latest in a series of parliamentary exchanges in which remarks about regional attire have triggered sharp reactions. Opposition MPs described the alleged remark as an insult to South Indian culture, while Dev denied using the term and accused Brittas of misrepresentation.
Brittas, who was clad in a dhoti, told the House that Dev moved to a seat behind him on Monday and repeatedly interrupted him while he was moving a resolution on the ordinance. "She repeatedly called me lungiwala. I was wearing a dhoti. I am proud to be a Malayali and a South Indian. These are part of Indian culture. Such stereotypes made in a derogatory manner are not acceptable," he said. He subsequently moved a privilege motion against Dev, asserting that her conduct breached parliamentary privilege and decorum. A privilege motion is a formal mechanism through which a member can complain about a breach of parliamentary privilege, and it is typically examined by the Rules Committee.
Dev, who recently joined the BJP after a stint with the Trinamool Congress, rejected the charge in the House. "I am a Bengali from Assam. I have seen different clothes being worn in different states. Neither I nor any other member has cast aspersions on any state's attire," she said. In remarks to NDTV after the session, she accused Brittas of lying and said she too had submitted a privilege motion against him. "He lied in the House today. I did not use the term lungiwala. The truth will be established once an inquiry is conducted," she asserted.
The opposition rallied behind Brittas. An AAP leader said India is known for "unity in diversity" and accused the BJP of repeatedly trying to "question and insult someone's attire." Congress MP Christopher Tilak called the incident "unfortunate" and said it was an attack not just on attire but on culture. CPI MP Santosh Kumar said it was an insult to every Indian, alleging that references to colour, attire, and food were being used to express political differences.
The lungi and dhoti are traditional garments widely worn in South India, carrying deep cultural and historical significance. Perceived disrespect towards such attire is often viewed as an affront to regional pride, which explains the strong reaction from opposition members. The controversy also highlights the central role of cultural identity in Indian political discourse.
Senior BJP leader and Union Minister JP Nadda distanced the government from the alleged remark. "We don't subscribe to such comments. We don't call it lungi. We call it a dhoti," he said, adding that Dev should be allowed to respond. He offered to resolve the "misunderstanding" if the two MPs visited his chamber. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stressed the need to maintain the dignity of the House and said that since the allegation was against a specific member, that member's version should also be heard.
Rajya Sabha Chairman, after hearing both sides, issued a formal observation advising members to be cautious. "There should be no disrespect to the cultural traditions and regional identities of our colleagues," he said, and called both members to his chamber to resolve the matter. The intervention sought to defuse the tension and underline the importance of mutual respect in parliamentary debate.
