Dog in Parliament row: Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury served privilege notice; asked to respond by Feb 23
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 13, 2026
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Congress 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 subsequent remarks about fellow members. The motion was filed by Rajya Sabha MPs Brij Lal and Indu Bala Goswami, who argued that her actions violated parliamentary protocol. Chowdhury defended her decision to bring the puppy, explaining she rescued it after a road accident and promptly returned it. She questioned the existence of any specific rule prohibiting animals on Parliament premises and criticized MPs for focusing on trivial issues while more pressing national concerns, such as pollution, remained unresolved.
Chowdhury's comments added fuel to the fire when she likened some MPs to "dogs" and mocked the privilege motion by mimicking a dog’s bark. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal condemned her actions, calling it a "tamasha" or theatrical display, and urged the Chairman of Rajya Sabha to take action. He criticized her for diverting attention from matters of public importance. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi weighed in on the controversy, defending the idea of MPs caring for animals but emphasizing that pets are not permitted inside Parliament.
The incident highlights the tension between individual actions and institutional norms within India's political landscape. While some view Chowdhury's behavior as a breach of protocol, others see it as an act of compassion or a critique of broader systemic issues. The controversy underscores the challenges of maintaining decorum in a politically charged environment while balancing personal values and public responsibilities. This incident also reflects the ongoing debates about what constitutes appropriate conduct for elected representatives, particularly when actions are perceived as trivializing serious parliamentary matters.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/13/2026