The Rajya Sabha functioned for only about 21 minutes in the pre-lunch session on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) before being adjourned amid an uproar over CPI(M) member John Brittas’ allegation that BJP MP Sushmita Dev had addressed him as ‘lungiwala’ during proceedings earlier this week.
Key Statements
Dev to speak. “Neither I nor any members have cast aspersions on any state’s attire. Brittas feels she needs to approach him and say something, she would be more than happy.
In the afternoon, when the House reconvened at 2 p.m., Deputy Chairman Harivansh invited Ms.
She said she is a Bengali from Assam and has seen different states where people wear different attires and clothes. I wanted to put that on record,” she said adding that if Mr. “No message from this House should go that any member wants division in India whether culturally or on the basis of religion,” Ms. Dev said.
Political Context
After the House was adjourned, Opposition MPs staged a protest at Makar Dwar, the main entrance to Parliament House. “It is with a heavy heart that I raise this matter. It is a question of the prestige and honour of the House. I am a proud Indian, a proud South Indian and a proud Malayali. Our Constitution celebrates our diversity,” Mr. “Certain instances have come to my notice regarding discourteous and undignified comments being made by members interrupting the speech of other members in the House. Brittas had made allegations against another member, Ms. Dev should also be heard. Leader of the House J.P. Nadda also urged the Chair to allow Ms. Dev to speak. Dev’s version should be placed on record.
Several male MPs wore mundu as a mark of protest and raised slogans celebrating “unity in diversity”. Brittas said. Radhakrishnan said members should avoid remarks that could hurt the sentiments of fellow parliamentarians. I would advise that honourable members should be careful not to hurt the sentiments and feelings of fellow members,” he said. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that since Mr. “That member should also be allowed to make a point,” he said, adding that if anything objectionable had been said, the chairman could call both members and ascertain the facts. He said the House respected the attire and traditions of every State and that Ms.
Earlier in his ruling, Chairman C.P.
