Opposition MPs accused the BJP lawmaker of making a derogatory remark about South Indian attire, while Dev denied using the term and said she had not insulted the clothing traditions of any state.
A fresh controversy erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday after CPM MP John Brittas alleged that BJP lawmaker Sushmita Dev repeatedly called him a “lungiwala” during a discussion in the House.
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Brittas moved a privilege motion against Dev, accusing her of making the remark while he was introducing a resolution related to the Income Tax (Amendment) Ordinance.
According to the CPM MP, Dev moved to a seat behind him during Monday’s proceedings and repeatedly interrupted his speech.
“She repeatedly called me ‘lungiwala’. I was wearing a dhoti. I am proud to be a Malayali and a South Indian. These are part of Indian culture. Such stereotypes, when made in a derogatory manner, are not acceptable,” Brittas said.
The allegation triggered an uproar in the Rajya Sabha, with opposition MPs describing the purported remark as an attack on South Indian culture and traditional attire.
Dev, who joined the BJP after a brief stint with the Trinamool Congress, denied using the term. The BJP MP from Assam also clarified that she had not cast aspersions on the attire or cultural practices of any state.
The dispute has intensified political tensions in the Upper House, with the privilege motion bringing the alleged exchange under formal scrutiny.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
