AIADMK MP Thambidurai's sharp comeback to John Brittas in Rajya Sabha
New Delhi: A fiery exchange in the Rajya Sabha during a discussion on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) has gone viral, with AIADMK MP M. Thambidurai earning widespread praise online for his pointed response to repeated interruptions from CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas. “Your Amma”- This was the savage reply that burst laughter in the upper house.
The moment unfolded as Thambidurai was delivering a speech outlining AIADMK’s long-standing opposition to NEET. Recalling the efforts of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, he repeatedly referred to her by the affectionate title “Amma”, a name by which she is popularly known among AIADMK supporters.
As Thambidurai detailed how Jayalalithaa had written to then Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2014 and October 2015, urging the Centre to withdraw the UPA government’s review petition concerning NEET, John Brittas repeatedly interrupted from his seat, asking, “Which Amma?” According to reports and the widely circulated parliamentary footage, Brittas posed the question three times in succession, disrupting the AIADMK leader’s speech.
After initially ignoring the interruptions, Thambidurai finally turned towards Brittas and replied with a single, cutting retort: “Your Amma.”
The unexpected response visibly caught Brittas off guard, with videos of his reaction quickly spreading across social media platforms.
While the exchange lasted only a few seconds, it has ignited a larger debate over parliamentary conduct. Many social media users accused Brittas of attempting to needle and distract the AIADMK MP during his speech, describing the repeated interruptions as unnecessary and disrespectful.
Netizens widely praised Thambidurai for refusing to be rattled and for delivering what many described as a calm yet devastating comeback. Several users remarked that the AIADMK veteran “ended the interruptions with just two words,” while others said the response exposed the futility of repeatedly heckling a member during a parliamentary address.
Supporters argued that Thambidurai had exercised restraint by ignoring the first few interruptions before finally responding when the repeated interjections persisted.
Beyond the viral exchange, Thambidurai used his speech to reiterate AIADMK’s opposition to NEET, arguing that Tamil Nadu has consistently resisted the examination since its inception.
He reminded the House that the Medical Council of India first notified NEET in 2010 and that the examination was introduced during the UPA government’s tenure. He further recalled that Jayalalithaa had written to then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh seeking protection for Tamil Nadu’s medical admission policy. After the Supreme Court proceedings on NEET, she again wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and 2015, urging the Centre to withdraw the review petition filed by the previous UPA government.
Throughout his speech, Thambidurai referred to the late Chief Minister as “Amma,” consistent with the terminology traditionally used by AIADMK leaders and cadres.
