Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 2: A day after Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury sparked a debate by bringing a rescued stray dog to Parliament on December 1, she received indirect support from Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament on Tuesday, Gandhi made light of the matter, remarking, “These are the things India is discussing these days.” When asked specifically about the dog episode, he quipped, “The dog seems to be the main topic today. What did the poor animal do? Is it not allowed here?”

When officials clarified that pets are prohibited inside the Parliament complex, Gandhi responded by gesturing toward the building and saying, “Pets are allowed inside.”

The controversy erupted after Chowdhury entered Parliament with a stray dog she said she had rescued on her way to the complex. Criticism came swiftly from various MPs and BJP leaders, who accused her of indulging in theatrics ahead of the Winter Session.

Chowdhury, however, defended her act, firing back at her critics—especially those from the NDA. She stated, “This government does not like animals. Animals cannot speak. The dog was in the car, so what is their problem? It is so small—does it look like it will bite? People inside Parliament bite, not dogs.”

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in her support triggered further backlash from BJP spokespersons, who accused the Congress of trivialising the dignity of Parliament. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala argued that Gandhi should have condemned the comparison of parliamentarians with dogs instead of backing his party colleague.

Chowdhury maintained that the dog was brought along only because she had rescued it from immediate danger, adding that her actions reflected her genuine affection for animals.