A House Divided: The Lingering Stain of Stereotypes in Parliament The recent exchange between CPM MP John Brittas and BJP MP Sushmita Dev in the Rajya Sabha highlights a deeply ingrained problem in Indian politics – the perpetuation of stereotypes and derogatory remarks that have no place in a democratic institution.
This incident is symptomatic of a larger issue that has been festering for far too long.
The term "lungi wala" used by Sushmita Dev reduces someone's identity to their attire, stereotyping John Brittas as a man who wears a lungi rather than acknowledging his individuality and cultural heritage.