Brittas Moves Privilege Notice Over Sushmita Dev’s ‘Lungiwala’ Remark

New Delhi: Left MPs have strongly protested BJP MP Sushmita Dev’s ‘lungiwala’ remark, alleging that it was derogatory towards Keralam and people from South India. CPI(M) MP John Brittas has submitted a privilege notice seeking action against Sushmita Dev.

The alleged derogatory remark was made while Brittas was speaking in the Rajya Sabha during a discussion on a bill proposing an additional charge on UPI transactions. The BJP MP, who allegedly came to the seat behind Brittas, repeatedly called him ‘lungiwala’.

Brittas submitted the privilege notice, pointing out that the remark was insulting to people from South India. Left MPs demanded action against Sushmita Dev for conduct that they said was contrary to the dignity of Parliament and the rights of its members.

Brittas also pointed out that terms such as ‘lungiwala’ and ‘Madrasi’ had been used in the past to insult people from South India. Several MPs have registered their protest over the issue.