The Madhya Pradesh Assembly engaged in a discussion about the issue of stray dogs in Bhopal during the Budget session. Congress MLA Atif Aqeel highlighted the rising number of stray dogs in the city and the alarming incidents of dog bites, particularly affecting children and senior citizens. Aqeel expressed concern over the ineffectiveness of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s efforts despite spending Rs two crore on sterilization and vaccination of street dogs.
Veteran BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister, Kailash Vijayvargiya, informed the Assembly about the formation of a dog squad by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation to address immediate concerns. He mentioned that 26,900 dogs have been vaccinated in the current fiscal year, with 5,023 rabies vaccines in stock. Vijayvargiya also clarified that there have been no reported deaths due to dog bites in Bhopal.
During the discussion, light-hearted banter between Congress and BJP leaders added a jovial atmosphere to the Assembly. Congress MLA Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat humorously referred to Vijayvargiya as the “Minister of dogs,” teasing him for not giving adequate attention to the issue. BJP MLA Umakant Sharma made a playful remark, stating it was the first time he heard dogs being called “terrorists.”
Former Assembly Speaker Sitasaran Sharma and BJP MLA Shalendra Kumar Jain raised concerns about the shortage of anti-rabies injections, emphasizing the need for ensuring their ample availability. Meanwhile, Congress Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar criticized the BJP government for prioritizing the dog menace debate over discussing the serious issue of contaminated drinking water that led to fatalities in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area.
