Proceedings of the Rajya Sabha get adjourned following the protest by Opposition MPs through the Monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Wednesday.
| Picture Credit score: ANI
The Rajya Sabha functioned for less than about 21 minutes within the pre-lunch session on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) earlier than being adjourned amid an uproar over CPI(M) member John Brittas’ allegation that BJP MP Sushmita Dev had addressed him as ‘lungiwala’ throughout proceedings earlier this week.
After the Home was adjourned, Opposition MPs staged a protest at Makar Dwar, the primary entrance to Parliament Home. A number of male MPs wore mundu as a mark of protest and raised slogans celebrating “unity in variety”.
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Quickly after listed papers had been laid on the desk of the Home, Mr. Brittas raised the difficulty, describing it as a matter in regards to the dignity of the Home and respect for India’s variety.
‘Heavy coronary heart’
“It’s with a heavy coronary heart that I increase this matter. It’s a query of the status and honour of the Home. I’m a proud Indian, a proud South Indian and a proud Malayali. Our Structure celebrates our variety,” Mr. Brittas mentioned.
He alleged that whereas he was shifting a statutory decision towards the Earnings Tax (Modification) Ordinance, 2026, on Monday, Ms. Dev left her allotted seat and repeatedly heckled him, referring to him as “lungiwala”.
The allegation drew assist from Opposition members, a number of of whom attended the proceedings carrying mundu. Treasury Bench members, nevertheless, insisted that Ms. Dev must also be given a possibility to current her model.
‘Don’t damage sentiments’
Earlier in his ruling, Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan mentioned members ought to keep away from remarks that might damage the feelings of fellow parliamentarians.
“Sure cases have come to my discover concerning discourteous and undignified feedback being made by members interrupting the speech of different members within the Home. I’d advise that honourable members must be cautious to not damage the feelings and emotions of fellow members,” he mentioned.
“Our tradition is exclusive and inclusive of various regional cultures. There must be no disrespect to the cultural traditions and regional identities of our colleagues,” the chairman added.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju mentioned that since Mr. Brittas had made allegations towards one other member, Ms. Dev must also be heard. “That member must also be allowed to make a degree,” he mentioned, including that if something objectionable had been mentioned, the chairman might name each members and verify the info.
BJP ladies MPs stood up at their seats to protest towards the Opposition’s demand that motion be taken towards Ms. Dev.
Within the afternoon, when the Home reconvened at 2 p.m., Deputy Chairman Harivansh invited Ms. Dev to talk. She mentioned she is a Bengali from Assam and has seen totally different states the place folks put on totally different attires and garments. “Neither I nor any members have forged aspersions on any state’s apparel. I needed to place that on report,” she mentioned including that if Mr. Brittas feels she must strategy him and say one thing, she could be more than pleased. “No message from this Home ought to go that any member needs division in India whether or not culturally or on the idea of faith,” Ms. Dev mentioned.
Chief of the Home J.P. Nadda additionally urged the Chair to permit Ms. Dev to talk. He mentioned the Home revered the apparel and traditions of each State and that Ms. Dev’s model must be positioned on report.
Mr. Nadda added that if each MPs might come to his chamber, the misunderstanding may be resolved.
Printed – August 12, 2026 05:46 pm IST
