Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury Takes Her Dog Inside Parliament, Says Those Who Bite Are Inside

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury took her pet dog into Parliament on the Winter Session’s opening day, which triggered sharp debate on rules and respect for the House. The scene stood out in the high-security complex and quickly turned into a flashpoint between ruling and Opposition leaders.

The incident led several MPs to question whether parliamentary privileges were being stretched. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal argued that Chowdhury’s move crossed a red line and demanded firm action, saying it showed disregard for procedures that apply to everyone inside Parliament.

Parliament Winter Session row over pet dog

Pal strongly criticised the decision to bring the dog, calling it a misuse of special rights granted to members. "Special privileges do not allow anyone to flout rules or bring pets into the House. There must be accountability," he said, insisting that established norms could not be ignored.

The controversy unfolded on the first day of the Winter Session, when Chowdhury reached the Parliament complex carrying the pet. Many present were surprised to see a personal dog within the restricted zone, and news of the moment spread across political circles and social media within minutes.

When journalists asked about potential security issues, Chowdhury downplayed every concern and defended the decision. "The government may not like animals inside, but what is the problem? It is such a tiny creature; it will not bite anyone." Chowdhury argued that attention was being misplaced.

Parliament Winter Session agenda and key bills

Chowdhury also suggested that the real risk did not come from the animal. "Why should this be an issue inside Parliament? Those who can bite, are inside the Parliament," she told reporters. On questions about protocol, Chowdhury added, "What security concern are we talking about? Give the dog a pass too, what else can we say?"

While this dispute dominated early discussions, formal business for the Winter Session moved ahead. The sitting period runs from the opening day until 19 December, covering 19 days and 15 sittings. The government has planned a packed legislative schedule featuring several key amendment and reform bills.

The list of major government bills includes changes in atomic energy, higher education, transport and financial regulation. Some of the headline proposals are summarised below.

In the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to place the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill and the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025. These proposals are expected to shape tax structures and funding for health and security-related measures.

The Opposition has lined up issues to highlight during the Winter Session, including the ongoing SIR, economic inequality, the Delhi blast investigation, pollution levels, and aspects of foreign policy. The government also plans a discussion to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, ensuring legislative work and symbolic debates run alongside the dog-related row.