“Those Who Bite Are Inside”: Renuka Chowdhury’s Quip Triggers Political Outrage

Congress Rajya Sabha member Renuka Chowdhury ignited an unusual political controversy on the opening day of Parliament’s Winter Session when she arrived at the premises with a small dog. The presence of the animal in the high-security zone immediately drew attention and raised eyebrows, leading to questions about parliamentary protocol and decorum. Chowdhury, however, defended her action, explaining that she had rescued the stray puppy from the road on her way to Parliament after witnessing a minor accident, fearing it would be run over. She maintained that the dog, which remained in her car, was later sent home and that there was no law against rescuing a mute animal.

The controversy quickly escalated beyond the mere presence of the dog due to a remark the Congress MP made while addressing reporters. Taking a pointed jab at her political opponents, Chowdhury quipped, “Those who bite are inside parliament,” implying that the real trouble-makers or ‘biters’ were her fellow Members of Parliament, particularly those from the ruling dispensation. This analogy sparked immediate and sharp outrage from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

BJP Condemns Remark, Calls it an Insult to Parliament’s Dignity

BJP leaders swiftly condemned the statement, calling it a grave insult to the hallowed institution of Parliament and all its elected members. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal accused Chowdhury of indulging in “tamasha” (theatrics) and violating established protocol, demanding strict action be taken against her by the House Chairman. Other ruling party members and spokespersons echoed the sentiment, asserting that the remark equated all parliamentarians and the institution itself with dogs, thereby disrespecting the dignity of the legislature. They criticised the Congress party for choosing “disruption and drama” over constructive dialogue.

Despite the backlash, Chowdhury stood by her comments, arguing that her concern for a stray animal was being made into a disproportionately large issue by a government that she implied was preoccupied with trivial matters. The incident provided a fiery start to the new Parliament session, highlighting the intense political friction between the ruling party and the opposition.

Anand Gantela

Deputy Editor, Prime Post

With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the dynamic field of journalism, Anand Gantela is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to both print and electronic media. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.