Renuka Chowdhury (PTI image)
NEW DELHI: Congress Rajya Sabha MP Renuka Chowdhury has been served a privilege breach notice for bringing a stray dog into the Parliament complex during the Winter Session and for her remarks about fellow members.According to the notice, she has been asked to respond to the notice by February 23.The motion was moved by Rajya Sabha MPs Brij Lal and Indu Bala Goswami, who alleged that her actions amounted to a breach of parliamentary privilege and protocol.News agency ANI, citing sources close to Chowdhury, reported that she will respond to the notice in accordance with parliamentary rules, norms and conventions. The row began on the opening day of the Winter Session on December 1 when Chowdhury brought a stray puppy to the Parliament premises. She later explained that she had found the animal on her way to Parliament after witnessing a collision between a scooter and a car.“Is there any law? I was on my way. A scooter collided with a car. This little puppy was wandering on the road. I thought it would get hit by the wheel. So I picked it up, put it in the car, came to Parliament, and sent it back. The car left, and so did the dog. So what’s the point of this discussion?” she said. Chowdhury maintained that there is no rule preventing an MP from bringing a dog or any animal into Parliament.The matter escalated after the Congress MP made controversial remarks while defending her action. In a swipe at the ruling BJP party, she said, “The real dogs are sitting in Parliament. They run the government. We take care of a mute animal, and this has become a big issue.”Earlier, when asked about the possible privilege motion, she responded by mimicking a dog’s bark. “Bhow, bhow… aur kya bolun?” she said, adding, “We will see when it (the privilege motion) is brought. I will give a ‘munhtod’ reply.”She also argued that there were more serious issues facing the country. “People are dying because of pollution and no one is worried… Labour laws are being forced upon us… but Renuka Chowdhury’s dog has rattled everyone. What can I say? I will continue to take care of animals,” she remarked.BJP MP Jagdambika Pal criticised her action, calling it a “tamasha” and a breach of protocol. He said members are not permitted to bring anyone into the premises without proper documentation and urged the Chairman to take action.“She is a member of the House and should raise issues of public importance instead of indulging in such drama,” Pal said.Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also reacted to the controversy. “Dog is the main topic of today, I believe. What has the poor dog done. The dog had come here. Why is it not allowed?” he said, adding, “Pets are not allowed here but they are allowed inside.”
