Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Wednesday following an uproar over BJP MP Sushmita Dev’s alleged derogatory remarks against CPM MP John Brittas.
The controversy centres on the word “Lungiwala”, which Brittas has alleged was repeatedly used against him during proceedings on Monday.
Soon after listed papers were laid on the table at the start of Wednesday’s proceedings, Brittas raised the issue and alleged that Dev had targeted him with the “Lungiwala” jibe. The Opposition backed Brittas, while the Treasury benches demanded that Dev also be heard before the Chair passed any order.
Brittas had earlier moved a privilege notice against Dev under Rule 188 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha. In his notice, he accused the BJP MP of repeatedly addressing him as “Lungiwala” and alleged that the expression amounted to cultural and regional denigration.
The alleged remarks were made on Monday while Brittas was speaking in the House during a discussion on taxation-related business. Brittas was moving a statutory resolution seeking disapproval of the Income-Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, which was being discussed along with the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill.
Rajya Sabha witnesses continued ruckus
Speaking in the House on Wednesday after being granted permission, Brittas alleged that Dev left her allotted seat and moved to a seat immediately behind him while he was moving the statutory resolution on Monday afternoon.
“She repeatedly called me lungiwala,” Brittas alleged.
The allegation triggered a fresh uproar in the Upper House. Chairman C P Radhakrishnan said there should be no disrespect in the House and announced that he would invite the concerned MPs to his chamber to discuss and resolve the issue.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Leader of the House JP Nadda, however, asked the Chair to allow Dev to also put forward her side. Dev subsequently went up to the Chair to seek permission to speak.
The controversy unfolded amid a wider confrontation between the Opposition and Treasury benches. Some Opposition MPs, led by Congress members, demanded that Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge be allowed to speak. They also raised slogans over the alleged theft of donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
As the two sides engaged in a slugging match, the Chairman adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm.