New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) The BJP has sharply criticized Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury regarding the controversial dog incident, claiming their statements have disrespected the dignity of Parliament.

Chowdhury ignited the debate with her bold actions after bringing a rescued stray puppy to the Parliament complex on Monday before having it sent home, which earned her implicit backing from LoP Gandhi.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, LoP Gandhi remarked, "These are the discussions happening across India these days."

When queried about the uproar, he commented, "The dog is the primary subject today, I reckon. What fault lies with the poor dog? Is it not permitted here?"

Upon learning that pets are indeed banned from the premises, he responded, "Pets are allowed inside," gesturing towards the Parliament building.

The controversy erupted when Chowdhury entered the session with the stray dog and reacted forcefully to queries about violating parliamentary decorum.

She stated, "Is there any established law? I was simply on my route. A scooter hit a car. This little puppy was lost on the road. I feared it would be injured, so I picked it up, placed it in my car, came to Parliament, and then sent it home. The car departed, and so did the dog."

Chowdhury continued, "Does the government lack other priorities? I sent the dog back home and advised them to keep it there. Those who are dangerous are already inside."

During a press briefing at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, party spokesperson Sambit Patra condemned Chowdhury's remarks, asserting, "When she was asked a question by a media member—not another MP—she responded with sarcasm, saying, 'This is a small creature; it is mute, it does not bite. Those who bite are inside. Those who bite are the ones running the government.' Such remarks undermine the dignity of Parliament."

Patra criticized Chowdhury for trivializing the issue of protocol by asking, "What protocol?" He added, "Every protocol matters; nothing surpasses protocol or tradition. She questioned whether any law was in place. I haven’t researched whether such a law exists, but there is an appropriate way to communicate and act."

He expressed concern over how an elected official could use such language towards other MPs. Addressing Rahul Gandhi, Patra stated that the Congress leader's comments would not resonate well with the public.

"Rahul Gandhi, as a senior leader of the Congress party and LoP, when questioned about this incident, asked, 'Did the dog come here as well?' Journalists confirmed, 'Yes, it did.' He then remarked, 'Oh, it is not permitted here,' to which the journalists clarified, 'No, it is not allowed as per protocol.' He then suggested, 'But it is allowed inside.' Though vague, his comments implied a reference to all parliamentarians, including the Opposition and sanitation workers within the House. The public is aware of everything," Patra noted.

Directly addressing LoP Gandhi, he concluded, "We do not anticipate such statements from you, Rahul Gandhi. I hope you reflect on Renuka's and your own comments and contemplate if this language is appropriate for you. With this manner of speaking and behaving, can the country ever respect or accept you?"