Attire row disrupts Rajya Sabha proceedings
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A dispute over an alleged “lungi-wala” remark directed at CPI MP John Brittas triggered uproar in the Rajya Sabha, a privilege notice and a show of solidarity by Opposition MPs wearing traditional southern attire. Brittas told the House on Wednesday that a fellow member had repeatedly used the expression while he was speaking during proceedings on August 10. He later…
A controversy erupted in the Rajya Sabha after an MP made what were deemed derogatory remarks about traditional attire, specifically a "lungi-wala" comment directed towards CPI MP John Brittas. This incident occurred during the discussion on the Taxation and Other Laws Bill, 2026. Brittas had filed a breach of privilege notice against BJP MP Sushmita Dev, who he claimed had repeatedly used the term while he was speaking.
Brittas identified Dev as the member involved and argued that such remarks, which targeted regional identity and clothing, were unacceptable and breached parliamentary standards. Dev denied the allegation, accusing Brittas of making an offensive remark himself by referring to her as a "turncoat." The situation escalated, with Opposition MPs showing solidarity by wearing traditional southern attire such as the mundu, dhoti, and lungi, in protest of what they saw as disrespect towards regional cultures and identities.
The dispute disrupted the proceedings, leading to the House being adjourned amid ongoing tensions. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, C P Radhakrishnan, called for decorum and respect for the diverse cultures and identities represented in the Parliament. The controversy highlighted the need for sensitive and respectful discourse in political debates, especially when addressing regional and cultural differences.
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