A political row over remarks allegedly made about CPI(M) leader John Brittas's attire escalated in Parliament on Wednesday after BJP MP Sushmita Dev faced a breach of privilege notice. Brittas had alleged that a member from the ruling side repeatedly referred to him as “lungi-wala” while he was speaking in the House. He said the remarks were made while he was moving a statutory resolution. The CPI(M) leader said he was proud of his identity as an Indian, South Indian and Malayali and defended his language, culture, cuisine and attire. What John Brittas alleged Brittas alleged that a BJP member interrupted him during his address and made repeated remarks about his attire. He said political disagreements were part of parliamentary debate but objected to comments about his clothing and identity. The CPI(M) leader subsequently moved a breach of privilege notice against Dev. Sushmita Dev denies the allegation Dev denied that she or any other member had cast aspersions on the attire of any state. She also indicated that she was willing to meet Brittas personally to address the issue. The dispute then prompted intervention from the Chair and other members of the House. What the Parliament leadership said Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan said members should be careful about making comments that could hurt the sentiments of fellow members. He emphasised India's diverse regional cultures and said there should be no disrespect towards cultural traditions or regional identities. The Chairman also invited the concerned MPs to his chamber to discuss the matter. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asked that Dev be allowed to put her version on record, arguing that both sides should be heard. Leader of the House JP Nadda also said the government respects the attire associated with every state and does not subscribe to such remarks. The House was subsequently adjourned until 2pm. What is the John Brittas ‘lungiwala’ controversy? The controversy began after Brittas alleged that remarks about his attire were made while he was speaking in Parliament. While Brittas described the alleged comments as inappropriate, Dev has denied making disparaging remarks about the attire of any state. The matter has now escalated into a parliamentary privilege issue, with Brittas moving a notice against Dev. The allegations and denials remain contested, and the available information does not establish independently what was said during the exchange.