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New Delhi: Congress Rajya Sabha MP Renuka Chowdhury’s sharp “Bhow Bhow” retort to reports of a proposed privilege motion against her on Wednesday set off a fresh political storm, quickly snowballing into a meme fest on social media and triggering sharp reactions from the ruling BJP. Responding to queries by reporters on whether BJP members were seeking to move a privilege notice against her for allegedly bringing a dog into Parliament premises, Chowdhury quipped, “Bhow bhow… what else should I say?”

“When it comes, I will give a befitting reply,” she added, brushing off the controversy. Her remark was soon remixed with the popular Baha Men track “Who Let the Dogs Out,” flooding social platforms with viral clips. Later, posting on X, Chowdhury wrote cryptically:
“If my silence is the reason you believe I cannot suffer, then remember this: your cruelty speaks louder than my voice ever could.”

BJP Hits Back, Calls It an Insult to Parliament

The BJP came down heavily on the Congress leader, with MP Shehzaad Poonawala branding her a “serial offender” and accusing her of repeatedly insulting Parliament. “Today, she responds with ‘bow wow’ when journalists ask about the privilege motion. Maybe this language is spoken within Congress. She has even made offensive remarks about Hinduism earlier. Now she is insulting the the Sansad, the Sanvidhan, the Sena, and Sanatan—and Rahul Gandhi supports her. Do they have any respect for Parliament?” Poonawala said in a post on X.

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi also accused Chowdhury of deliberately lowering the dignity of Parliament.
“The act of bringing a dog into Parliament premises and then dramatically showcasing sympathy for it is one thing. But to ‘bark’ at a journalist and earlier refer to MPs as ‘biters’ reflects a systematic attempt by Congress to tarnish the image of Parliament,” Trivedi alleged.

How the Controversy Began

The controversy erupted on Monday, the first day of the Winter Session, after Chowdhury was seen with a dog inside her vehicle within Parliament premises. She clarified that the dog was a stray she had rescued and was taking to a veterinarian. When questioned by reporters on her action, she shot back: “Those sitting inside bite, dogs don’t.”

The remark escalated tensions further. On Tuesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined the debate, saying that pets may not be allowed outside but are “allowed inside”, while pointing toward the Parliament building—drawing sharp objections from the treasury benches.

More BJP Reactions

BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said both leaders had undermined the sanctity of Parliament.
“Statements from both Rahul Gandhi and Renuka Chowdhury hurt the dignity of Parliament. Both the ‘Rs’ must remember there is another ‘R’—‘Responsibility of an MP’,” Patra said. Another BJP spokesperson, Pradeep Bhandari, accused Rahul Gandhi of insulting his own party colleagues, posting:
“Rahul Gandhi is comparing his own Congressmen to dogs. This is how the Parivarvadi mindset treats the temple of democracy.” Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also took a swipe, saying:
“You keep bringing ‘kutta’ here, and we will continue to get ‘satta’.”

Renuka Defends Herself

Chowdhury, a known animal lover, has defended her actions, alleging that the BJP is being hypocritical.
“Which law says I cannot rescue a dog?” she asked, while also alleging that the government harbours hostility towards animals.

Privilege Motion Likely?

With several BJP MPs demanding action, the possibility of a privilege motion against the Congress MP is now being actively discussed, though no formal notice has been confirmed so far. As political tempers flare inside and outside Parliament, what began as an act of animal rescue has spiralled into yet another high-voltage winter session showdown between the ruling party and the Opposition.