New Delhi— The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday hit out at Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Renuka Chowdhury over their comments on the controversy surrounding a rescued stray dog being brought into the Parliament complex, alleging that their remarks undermined the dignity of the institution and insulted its members and staff.
The row began after Renuka Chowdhury, responding to objections raised by some MPs, remarked that “those sitting inside bite, dogs don’t,” triggering criticism from the ruling party. A day later, Rahul Gandhi, while speaking informally with reporters, added to the storm by saying pets were “not allowed outside but inside,” gesturing toward the Parliament building.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra condemned the comments, saying the two Congress leaders had not only disrespected the decorum of Parliament but had also insulted MPs from all parties, along with security personnel and staff. “Both the ‘Rs’ need to remember there is another R — the responsibility of an MP,” Patra said.
He accused the Congress of “frustration,” alleging that the party had stooped so low that its leaders were insulting even their own colleagues. Patra added that disagreements between parties are natural, but “we are not enemies and baying for each other’s blood.”
Urging Rahul Gandhi to reflect on his words, Patra questioned, “With this kind of speech and behaviour, will the country respect you? Will people vote for you when you talk like this?”
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also criticised the remarks, claiming in a post on X that Gandhi was “comparing his own Congressmen and Opposition leaders to a dog,” and adding that this showed “how Parivarvadi treat the temple of democracy.”
