Now Reading: Rajya Sabha MP moves privilege notice over ‘Lungiwala’ jibe
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Rajya Sabha MP moves privilege notice over ‘Lungiwala’ jibe
A Rajya Sabha MP has submitted a privilege notice to the Chairman after being repeatedly called 'Lungiwala' during a debate on August 10. The MP argues that while the lungi itself is…
The Story in Brief
A Rajya Sabha MP has submitted a privilege notice to the Chairman after being repeatedly called 'Lungiwala' during a debate on August 10. The MP argues that while the lungi itself is an ordinary garment worn by millions, the term was used as a cultural stereotype targeting his Malayali and South Indian identity. The notice draws a parallel with the anti-South Indian mobilisation in 1960s-70s Bombay, where 'Lungiwala' became a slur, and with Assam, where the lungi has been used to stereotype Muslims as outsiders.
The MP insists he does not seek protection from political criticism, but demands that cultural identity not be weaponised for humiliation. He cites constitutional values of equality, dignity and fraternity, and warns that once cultural ridicule becomes acceptable, no community remains safe. The Rajya Sabha Chairman will now decide on the notice.
The Indian Opinion
The 'Lungiwala' incident in Rajya Sabha stirs a familiar debate. Some will dismiss it as oversensitivity, saying the garment is just cloth. That misses the point: context and intent make a word a slur. The same right that defends a Malayali's lungi should defend a Sikh's turban. The true test is whether the Chairman upholds the dignity of the House by taking up the notice, or lets cultural taunts become normal in Parliament.
Source: newindianexpress.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
