From Dog Row to Vaping Claims: Parliament’s Viral Winter Session
Dog row, vaping claims and VB-G RAM G protests dominate headlines beyond legislative business
- Dog-in-car row, vaping allegation grab headlines outside House hours
- Privileges Committee seized of multiple controversies
- VB-G RAM G Bill sparks biggest uproar of the session
- Eight Bills passed amid protests, late-night sittings
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 19th Dec: The Winter Session of Parliament this year was marked not only by intense legislative business but also by a series of dramatic moments outside regular proceedings that grabbed national attention and went viral on social media.
One of the most talked-about controversies involved Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury, who was photographed bringing a dog into the Parliament complex in her car. Chowdhury said she found the dog in distress on the road and offered it a ride. While no rule bars pets from entering the Parliament complex, the incident triggered questions and political sparring. Chowdhury remarked that the “real biters” were inside Parliament, signing off with a sarcastic “bow, bow.” The matter has since been referred to the Parliament’s Privileges Committee.
Another viral episode saw allegations that Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad vaped inside the Lok Sabha. BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a short video claiming Azad was using an e-cigarette during proceedings. Trinamool MP Saugata Roy was also criticised for taking puffs within the Parliament premises. Both incidents have been referred to the Privileges Committee for examination.
Political optics also drew attention on the final day of the session, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule and other MPs met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to thank him after the House was adjourned sine die. Priyanka Gandhi’s presence at the meeting, in the absence of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, became a talking point. Her separate meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss road projects in Kerala—complete with informal conversation and food tasting—also made headlines.
Inside the House, Opposition MPs climbing tables during the debate on the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Bill, led to sharp scenes and another privilege reference. The bill, which replaced the two-decade-old MNREGA, triggered the biggest uproar of the session. The naming of several legislations, including VB-G RAM G, SHANTI (nuclear energy bill) and Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Bill, sparked heated exchanges between ruling and Opposition members.
Adding to the drama, Trinamool Congress MPs staged a 12-hour overnight protest within the Parliament premises on the eve of the VB-G RAM G debate. The session also saw unusually long meetings, including an 88-minute sitting to appoint information and vigilance commissioners.
Despite disruptions, Parliament passed eight Bills during the session. Around 300 starred questions were admitted, with 72 answered orally, while 3,449 unstarred questions were taken up. MPs raised 408 matters during Zero Hour and 372 under Rule 377. On December 11 alone, as many as 150 members spoke during Zero Hour.
The session, though productive on paper, will be remembered as much for its viral moments and political theatrics as for its legislative output.
