John Brittas Files Privilege Motion Over 'Lungiwala' Slur

CPI-M MP John Brittas filed a privilege motion against BJP MP Sushmita Dev on August 12, 2026, alleging she repeatedly called him a "lungi wala" during a Rajya Sabha debate on the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill on August 10. Brittas characterized the remark as an insult to the cultural identity of South India and a form of "othering."

In a show of solidarity, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and other MPs from Kerala and Tamil Nadu wore the traditional mundu to Parliament on August 12. The protest, combined with condemnation from the AAP, Congress, and JKNC, led to noisy scenes and an early adjournment of the House.

Sushmita Dev denied the allegations, asserting she had not cast aspersions on any state's attire. She subsequently filed her own breach of privilege motion against Brittas, claiming his comments regarding her party allegiance and religion were misleading. Union Minister J.P. Nadda distanced the government from the alleged remarks, stating the government does not subscribe to such comments and noting that the garment is referred to as a "dhoti."

Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan intervened to resolve the dispute, calling both MPs to his chamber and advising members to respect the regional identities and cultural traditions of their colleagues.