Many Opposition MPs, including the Congress Party Chief and Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge wore dhoti in solidarity to the Kerala MP John Brittas. "The way John Brittas, who came wearing a 'lungi' to Parliament, was insulted... "At the time John Brittas was speaking in the House (Rajya Sabha), he was insulted by the word 'Lungiwala' used for him. A member of Parliament from West Bengal referred to John Brittas as 'Lungiwala'. The controversy arose after Brittas alleged that a member of the House repeatedly referred to him as "lungi-wala" while he was speaking during proceedings.