Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury stirred a political row on Monday after arriving at Parliament in a car carrying a rescued stray dog. Several ruling party members criticised her, calling the act unnecessary drama, while Chowdhury defended herself strongly.
She said she had rescued the stray earlier in the day and was on her way to take it to a veterinarian. Questioning the objections raised by BJP MPs, she argued that there was no rule banning lawmakers from rescuing an animal.
“This government doesn’t like animals. Animals have no voice. The dog was in my car—what is their problem? It’s so tiny, does it look like it will bite? Those sitting inside Parliament bite, not dogs,” Chowdhury told reporters.
A known dog lover, Chowdhury has several pets at home. Sources said her driver was supposed to take the stray to a vet after dropping her at Parliament.
However, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal accused her of violating protocol and turning the Parliament premises into a “tamasha” (theatrics). He argued that no one— including animals—can be brought inside without proper permission and demanded action from the Chairman.
“You can’t bring dogs or animals inside Parliament. She should be taken to task,” Pal said, questioning her seriousness about parliamentary issues.
