John Brittas files notice over ‘Lungiwala’ remark in Rajya Sabha

John Brittas, a Rajya Sabha MP from Kerala, has submitted a notice to the Chairman of the House after he was repeatedly called 'Lungiwala' during his intervention on August 10. Brittas, in a statement published by New Indian Express, said the term was used as a cultural stereotype aimed at him because he is a Malayali and a South Indian, not merely a description of his attire.

The Hindustan Times reports that the term 'Lungiwala' has a long history as a pejorative, used by the Shiv Sena in the 1970s and 1980s to target south Indian migrants in Bombay, and more recently in Assam to stereotype Muslims. Brittas argued that while the lungi itself is an ordinary garment worn by millions, the politics attached to it is not innocent. He said the incident raises concerns about cultural ridicule in Parliament, which undermines the constitutional values of equality and fraternity.

Brittas said he is not seeking protection from criticism but wants Parliament to uphold the principle that cultural identity cannot be turned into an instrument of humiliation. The notice now awaits the Chairman's decision.