John Brittas files privilege motion against Sushmita Dev over 'lungi wala' remark
Synopsis
A single phrase — 'lungi wala' — has set off a parliamentary storm. CPI-M MP John Brittas has filed a privilege motion against BJP's Sushmita Dev, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned, and the entire opposition has closed ranks around what they are calling a cultural attack on South India's identity.
Key Takeaways
CPI-M MP John Brittas filed a privilege motion notice against BJP MP Sushmita Dev on 12 August over the alleged 'lungi wala' remark.
The incident caused noisy scenes in the Rajya Sabha , leading to an adjournment until 2 pm .
Opposition parties — including AAP , CPI-M , and JKNC — condemned the remark as a 'cultural attack' on South Indians.
The privilege motion has been submitted to the Rajya Sabha Chairman for possible referral to the Committee of Privileges .
The BJP had not issued a formal response as of the time of reporting.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas on Wednesday, 12 August filed a privilege motion notice against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sushmita Dev over an alleged remark calling him 'lungi wala' — a phrase opposition leaders condemned as a cultural slur targeting South Indians. The incident triggered noisy scenes in the Rajya Sabha, forcing an adjournment until 2 pm.
What Brittas Said
Addressing reporters, Brittas stated: '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. I am proud to be a Malayali, I am proud to be a South Indian, and I am proud to be an Indian. We celebrate the diversity of this country. The remarks she made are unbecoming of a Member of Parliament, and I believe the Hon’ble Chairman and the Committee of Privileges will take note of this.'
Brittas is known for regularly attending Parliament in a lungi — traditional attire worn widely across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha.
Opposition Rallies Behind Brittas
CPI-M colleague P. Sandosh Kumar called it a 'very serious issue,' saying: 'One of our colleagues in the House was insulted by being called ‘lungi wala.’ Inside the House, such arguments are nothing new... But you broke protocol and targeted people based on their dress, food habits and culture.'
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh went further, arguing that ridiculing traditional attire on the floor of the House was 'very unfortunate' and accused the BJP of making such humiliation 'a tradition.' He noted that all opposition parties had raised the matter jointly inside the House.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan described the remark as 'a cultural attack,' adding: 'There are many regions, religions, and cultures in India, and every state has its own distinct culture... The BJP MP’s remark is an insult to any culture in India.'
Why the Remark Has Drawn Wider Outrage
The 'lungi wala' phrase, critics argue, reduces a legislator’s identity to a garment — a form of regional stereotyping that has historically been used to 'other' South Indians in national discourse. This is not the first time Parliament has seen friction over regional identity markers; similar episodes in the past have prompted calls for stronger codes of conduct within both Houses. Notably, the privilege motion mechanism — rarely invoked over verbal exchanges — signals the seriousness with which Brittas and his allies are treating this incident.
What Happens Next
The privilege motion notice has been submitted to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, who will decide whether to refer it to the Committee of Privileges. If admitted, the committee will examine whether Sushmita Dev’s alleged remark constitutes a breach of parliamentary privilege. The BJP had not issued a formal response as of the time of reporting.
Point of View
Cross-party solidarity is tactically coherent but also reflects genuine anxiety among southern political blocs about cultural marginalisation in national institutions. Whether the Committee of Privileges acts, or the matter quietly fades, will signal how seriously Parliament treats regional dignity as a parliamentary value.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the privilege motion filed by John Brittas about?
CPI-M MP John Brittas filed a privilege motion notice against BJP MP Sushmita Dev on 12 August, alleging she made a derogatory 'lungi wala' remark that stereotypes South Indians. Brittas called it 'a shorthand for othering' and said it was unbecoming of a Member of Parliament.
What is a privilege motion in Parliament?
A privilege motion is a formal notice filed by a member of Parliament alleging that another member has breached parliamentary privilege — which includes the right to speak and act without being subjected to certain forms of interference or disrespect. If admitted by the Chair, it is referred to the Committee of Privileges for examination.
Why did the Rajya Sabha adjourn on 12 August?
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned until 2 pm on 12 August after noisy scenes erupted when John Brittas raised the issue of Sushmita Dev's alleged 'lungi wala' remark on the floor of the House.
Which parties backed John Brittas over the remark?
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), CPI-M, and the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) all publicly backed Brittas, with their MPs condemning the remark as a cultural attack on South Indian identity and India's diversity.
Has the BJP responded to the privilege motion?
As of the time of reporting, the BJP had not issued a formal response to the privilege motion filed by John Brittas against Sushmita Dev.
