Rajya Sabha adjourned over lungiwala remark dispute

Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, following a heated confrontation over an alleged derogatory remark made by BJP MP Sushmita Dev against CPM MP John Brittas. The disruption occurred after Brittas raised the issue at the start of the day's session, accusing Dev of repeatedly calling him "lungiwala" during proceedings on Monday, August 10.

Brittas, a member from Kerala, stated that the remark was made while he was moving a statutory resolution against the Income Tax Amendment Ordinance, 2026. He alleged that Dev left her seat and moved behind him, repeatedly using the term. "She repeatedly called me lungiwala," Brittas told the House. He argued the term was used in a derogatory manner to denigrate his regional and cultural identity, invoking historical stereotypes used against South Indians. Brittas had filed a privilege notice against Dev on Tuesday, August 11, under Rule 188 of the Rules of Procedure.

The allegation triggered immediate uproar. Opposition MPs supported Brittas, while Treasury benches demanded that Dev be given an opportunity to respond before any decision was taken. Leader of the House J.P. Nadda stated, "We do not...