New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has recently found herself embroiled in a controversy after she brought a stray dog to Parliament on December 1. She received implicit backing from Rahul Gandhi, the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP). Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament, Gandhi remarked, “These are the topics that India is engaging with these days.”

When asked by journalists about the dog incident, Gandhi commented, “The dog seems to be the main subject today. What did the poor dog do? Are they not allowed here?”

Upon learning from officials that pets are not permitted within the complex, he countered, “Pets are allowed inside,” gesturing towards the Parliament.

The dog-related controversy ignited on Monday when Renuka Chowdhury, a member of the Rajya Sabha, brought a rescued stray dog into the Parliament and made a playful remark about her peers when questioned about breaching parliamentary protocol.

Numerous parliamentarians and BJP members criticized her move, labeling it as a display of theatrics and drama just before the Winter Session.

However, Chowdhury stood by her decision, launching criticisms towards other parliamentarians, particularly those from the NDA. She stated, “This government has a disdain for animals. Animals lack a voice. The dog was in the car, so what's their issue? It's tiny; does it seem like it would bite? Those inside Parliament bite, not dogs.”

Rahul Gandhi’s defense of Renuka Chowdhury amidst the canine controversy also received a sharp backlash from BJP spokespersons, who argued that his comments mocked the sanctity of the temple of democracy.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala pointed out that rather than condemning Chowdhury for equating parliamentarians and staff with dogs, he opted to defend her antics.

On her part, Renuka Chowdhury asserted that she had rescued the stray dog from imminent danger while en route to the Parliament, demonstrating her “well-known” affection for dogs and pets.