“Kailash Vijayvargiya in Charge of Dogs”: Heated Debate in MP Assembly Over Stray Dogs

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: The Madhya Pradesh Assembly budget session witnessed a fiery debate over the rising stray dog population and incidents of dog bites. The discussion turned dramatic when Congress MLAs accused BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya of corruption in sterilization programs, while BJP legislators labeled stray dogs as “terrorists” and called for action against them.

Congress Raises Concerns

Congress MLA Atif Aqil expressed concern over the growing stray dog population. In response, a cabinet minister explained that under the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023, stray dogs without sterilization are captured, sterilized at centers, and then released back to their original locations.

Vijayvargiya Called “Dog-in-Charge”

Congress MLA Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat sharply remarked that it was now clear that Vijayvargiya was the “in-charge of dogs.” BJP MLA Umakant Sharma quipped that “even dogs are becoming terrorists now.” The exchange sparked a heated debate in the House, with both sides trading barbs over responsibility and accountability.

Court Guidelines and Sterilization Issues

Congress MLA Rajan Mandloi pointed out that Supreme Court guidelines on stray dogs are not being followed, alleging that sterilization programs exist only on paper. He cited incidents in Barwani, where two girls were bitten, and demanded verification of the quality of rabies vaccines and compensation for victims.

Dogs as “Friends”

Vijayvargiya defended the approach, describing dogs as humans’ longtime companions. He emphasized that neglect provokes aggression and shared examples from neighborhoods where dogs are treated like family members, receiving daily food from residents.

Plans to Increase Sterilization Centers

Acknowledging the growing dog population, Vijayvargiya admitted that sterilization numbers are insufficient compared to population growth. He pledged to expand sterilization centers by bringing in external experts and urged society to recognize dogs as partners rather than nuisances.

Debate Extends to Meat and Food Habits

BJP MLAs also highlighted issues with meat and egg vendors. MLA Shailendra Jain noted that stray dogs consume leftover or rotten food, which can make them aggressive, and stressed that proper disposal of such items is necessary to prevent bites.

Calls to End Dog Breeds

Some legislators, including Gopal Bhargava, went further, suggesting that the dog population should be eliminated. “In a country where 800 million people still rely on free ration, why do we need stray or pet dogs? People are spending lakhs on dogs while many remain hungry,” he said.