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A Rajya Sabha row erupted after John Brittas alleged he was called “lungi-wala” by Sushmita Dev. She denied insulting Kerala’s traditional attire and clarified her remarks.
Brittas also said he had submitted a privilege notice against the member over the alleged remarks.
A fresh controversy erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday after CPI(M) MP John Brittas alleged that BJP MP Sushmita Dev repeatedly referred to him as “lungi-wala” during a verbal exchange in the House.
Brittas, who represents Kerala in the Rajya Sabha, raised the issue while speaking during proceedings, saying he was proud of his Malayali identity, culture and traditional attire.
The CPI(M) MP made the allegation without initially naming Dev, referring to her as “an honourable member whom I hold in high esteem”.
“I’m a proud Indian, South Indian and a proud Malayali. I cherish every moment being a Malayali — our language, culture, cuisine and, of course, our attire,” Brittas said.
He alleged that the member approached him while he was speaking during a statutory resolution and repeatedly called him “lungi-wala”.
“Verbal duel is okay. We fight each other. But she repeatedly called me ‘lungi-wala, lungi-wala’,” Brittas said.
Brittas also said he had submitted a privilege notice against the member over the alleged remarks.
Kiren Rijiju Reacts
Following Brittas’ allegation, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju requested the Chair to allow Sushmita Dev to place her version on record.
Rijiju said both members should be given an opportunity to present their side, keeping the dignity and functioning of the House in mind.
Dev subsequently rejected the allegation that she had made derogatory remarks about Kerala’s traditional attire.
Sushmita Dev Refutes Brittas’ Allegations
Responding to the controversy, Dev said the issue was being politicised and claimed that remarks made by Brittas during the exchange were divisive and derogatory.
“There was a statement made by an honourable member from Kerala. The media is showing that I said something that was derogatory to the traditional attire of Kerala. It’s a very unfortunate politicisation for brownie points,” Dev said.
She maintained that she had a video recording of what was said on the microphone and argued that the remarks made during the exchange should not be used to create divisions based on culture, religion or language.
“My message to the people of Kerala is that please don’t let the other statements mislead you. I love Kerala and the people of Kerala,” Dev said.
Sanjay Singh Backs Brittas
AAP MP Sanjay Singh also raised the issue, saying India’s strength lies in its diversity of religions, cultures, languages and traditions.
Singh alleged that Brittas was insulted over wearing a lungi to Parliament and said the Rajya Sabha Chair had taken cognisance of the matter.
“India is a country of unity in diversity,” Singh said, while criticising what he described as an attempt to question or insult someone’s traditional attire.
The exchange has now triggered a political controversy in Parliament, with competing claims over what was said during the confrontation and whether the remarks crossed the line into an attack on regional identity and culture.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg…Read More
August 12, 2026, 17:40 IST
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