CPI(M) MP John Brittas moves privilege motion against BJP MP Sushmita Dev
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has filed a breach of privilege notice against BJP MP Sushmita Dev, alleging she repeatedly referred to him as 'lungiwala' during parliamentary proceedings. The incident, which occurred during a debate on taxation legislation, caused disruptions in the Upper House and led to an adjournment. While Brittas contends the term is a derogatory stereotype targeting South Indian identity, Dev has denied the allegation, claiming she did not make the remark.
9 paksh11 articles
What Happened
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Brittas submitted a formal notice of breach of privilege to Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan against BJP MP Sushmita Dev. Brittas alleged that Dev repeatedly heckled him and used the term 'lungiwala' while he was speaking during a debate on the Income-Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, and related taxation bills. The incident reportedly took place when Dev was seated behind him in the chamber.
The controversy led to significant disruptions in the Rajya Sabha, resulting in the temporary adjournment of proceedings. Brittas characterized the remark as a deliberate personal attack that invokes derogatory stereotypes against South Indians. In response to the allegations, Dev has denied using the term, and the matter remains a subject of parliamentary discussion as the Chair has called for members to maintain respect for regional identities.
Key Facts
- John Brittas is a CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP.
- Sushmita Dev is a BJP Rajya Sabha MP.
- Brittas filed a breach of privilege notice against Dev.
- The alleged remark occurred during a debate on taxation legislation.
- The incident caused disruptions in the Rajya Sabha.
- Sushmita Dev has denied making the remark.
The Timeline11
Every article on this story, in the order it was filed. We do not rank the outlets.
11 Aug
12 Aug
Show all 11 articlesShow fewer
13 Aug
Where This Is Being Covered5 languages
Languages
Newsrooms carrying this story, by publication language.
- English5 outlets
- Hindiहिन्दी1 outlet
- Bengaliবাংলা1 outlet
- Kannadaಕನ್ನಡ1 outlet
- Odiaଓଡ଼ିଆ1 outlet
Regional reach
States where a local newsroom is carrying this. National mastheads and wire agencies circulate everywhere and are counted separately, not drawn on the map.
- No local newsroom
- 1 outlet
- 2 or more
10 states with local coverage. Concentrated in the North. Also carried by 4 national mastheads.
About This Analysis
One summary, built from every source. No single newsroom's voice.
- 9
- Paksh
- 11
- Articles
- 6
- Key facts
Paksh: the sides a story is told from. 9 newsrooms filed on this one, and every filing is listed above.