New Delhi: Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury ignited a controversy on Monday after she brought a stray dog to the Parliament premises. The incident has drawn criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with some leaders calling for action against her.
Chowdhury explained that she found the puppy wandering on the road after a scooter collided with a car. Concerned for its safety, she picked it up and brought it with her to Parliament. "Is there any law?" she questioned, defending her actions. "I was on my way. A scooter collided with a car. This little puppy was wandering on the road. I thought it would get hit. So I picked it up, put it in the car, came to Parliament, and sent it back. The car left, and so did the dog".
The Congress MP dismissed concerns about security violations, stating that the "real ones who bite are sitting in the Parliament". This remark was interpreted as a criticism of the government and further fueled the controversy. When asked by NDTV about bringing the animal inside the car on Parliament premises, Chowdhury responded, "What's wrong with an animal inside Parliament? Those who bite are inside Parliament".
The BJP has strongly condemned Chowdhury's actions, labeling it a "tamasha". BJP MP Jagdambika Pal criticized the Congress leader, asserting that "Special privileges do not allow anyone to flout rules or bring pets into the House. There must be accountability". He called for necessary action to be taken against her for the perceived breach of parliamentary decorum.
The incident has sparked a broader debate on parliamentary norms, privileges, and decorum. Legal experts and political analysts are weighing in on whether Chowdhury's actions violated any specific rules or regulations. Some argue that bringing a pet, even a stray, into the Parliament premises is unprecedented and inappropriate. Others maintain that Chowdhury's intentions were noble, as she was rescuing a vulnerable animal.
The controversy has also raised questions about the security protocols at the Parliament. While Chowdhury dismissed any security concerns, critics argue that allowing unauthorized animals into the building could pose potential risks. They are calling for a review of the existing security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This incident is not the first time that the Indian Parliament has been the site of unusual events. In the past, lawmakers have engaged in heated debates, protests, and even physical altercations within the House. However, the arrival of a stray dog has added a new dimension to the ongoing discussions about parliamentary conduct and ethics. The incident remains a subject of discussion and has been widely circulated across social media platforms.
