Rahul Gandhi Sparks Parliament Controversy with Dog Remarks: "Pets Are Allowed Inside"

"What did the poor dog do? Did it come here? Is it not allowed?" Rahul Gandhi questioned.

New Delhi:

Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has intensified the controversy initiated by his colleague Renuka Chowdhury by suggesting that pets are permitted inside Parliament. The controversy began when Chowdhury, after arriving at the complex with a dog, remarked that "those who bite are inside Parliament."

During an interaction with journalists at the Parliament complex on Tuesday, Gandhi addressed the issue stating, "Dog is the main topic today, I believe."

He further questioned, "What did the poor dog do? Did it come here? Is it not allowed?"

When informed by a reporter that while nothing specific is mentioned in the rule book, pets are generally not permitted, Gandhi gestured toward the Parliament building and retorted, "But they are allowed inside," eliciting laughter from those present.

The BJP quickly seized upon Gandhi's comments, who is known for his affection toward his pet dog 'Pidi', questioning how such language could be directed at elected representatives.

BJP Spokesperson Sambit Patra criticized, "The decorum and dignity of Parliament were hurt by the statements made by Rahul Gandhi and Renuka Chowdhury. Both the 'Rs' need to remember that there is an R - 'responsibility of an MP'." He added that while Gandhi did not specify his target, the implied meaning suggested he was referring to all parliamentarians, including opposition members and sanitation workers within the House.

Addressing Gandhi directly, Patra continued, "Rahul Gandhi, we do not expect this from you. I hope that you go home and listen to Renuka's and your own statement and reflect on whether this kind of language suits you. With this kind of speech and behaviour, will the country accept or respect you?"

Another BJP spokesperson, Pradeep Bhandari, accused the Opposition Leader of comparing MPs to dogs, claiming this reflects how dynastic politicians treat Parliament.

Bhandari posted on X: "When Rahul Gandhi was told -'Dogs are not allowed inside'. Rahul Gandhi pointing at Parliament said -'Dogs allowed inside'. Rahul Gandhi is comparing his own Congressmen, and Opposition leaders to Dog! This is how Parivarvadi treat temple of democracy."

The incident originated on Monday when several MPs objected to Renuka Chowdhury bringing a rescued stray dog inside the Parliament complex in her vehicle. In response, the Congress leader had stated, "Those sitting inside (Parliament) bite, dogs don't".