BJP MP's 'lungi wala' remark rocks Rajya Sabha, privilege notice filed
The Rajya Sabha witnessed an uproar on Wednesday after CPI(M) MP John Brittas raised the matter of BJP’s Sushmita Dev calling him a "lungi wala"
The Rajya Sabha witnessed an uproar on Wednesday after CPI(M) MP John Brittas raised the matter of BJP’s Sushmita Dev calling him a "lungi wala" during parliamentary proceedings. Brittas, who represents Kerala in the Upper House, has moved a privilege motion against Dev. He alleged that she made the remark against him during an exchange on Monday. It wasn’t merely a personal remark but an attempt to stereotype people based on their regional and cultural identity, he charged. Read Full Story Speaking to news agency ANI, Brittas said he took pride in his Malayali and South Indian identity, and the BJP MP’s “lungi wala” barb was unacceptable and unbecoming of a member of Parliament.
"I have moved a privilege motion notice against Sushmita Dev for her derogatory remark, ‘lungi wala,’ which stereotypes South Indians and is not acceptable. It is a shorthand for othering," he said. In a country as diverse as India, there was no room for othering and the use of slurs, he stated. OPPOSITION MPs UP IN ARMS After the Rajya Sabha convened and Chairman CP Radhakrishnan called on him, Brittas said an “honourable member” had disturbed him while he was fulfilling his parliamentary obligations. "A verbal duel is okay, we fight each other. But she repeatedly called me 'lungi wala'," Brittas said in the House Wednesday.
The issue triggered an outcry, with Opposition MPs backing Brittas, while Treasury benches demanded that Dev be heard before passing any order. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said all members of the House were equal and asked that any objectionable remark be brought to the Chairman’s notice. "We are all equal Indians. If there is anything which is objectionable or unbecoming of the character of the nation, I will request the Chairman to call the members, hear what happened, and then decide," Rijiju said. The Chair also intervened, saying certain instances of “undignified comments” and interruptions had come to his notice. “I would advise the members not to hurt the sentiments and feelings of fellow members,” he said.
“Our culture is unique, and it is inclusive of diverse regional cultures. There should be no disrespect,” the Chair said, adding that he would invite the members to his chamber and resolve the issue. Rijiju also said repeated disruptions and protests were unbecoming of the House. The Rajya Sabha was eventually adjourned until 2 pm amid the uproar. Brittas said he expected the Chairman and the Committee of Privileges to take note of the complaint. Ends
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