Senior Legislator's Controversial Remarks on Dogs Ignite National Debate
In a statement that has ignited widespread controversy and debate across India, former minister and senior-most legislator Gopal Bhargava made startling remarks about dogs during a legislative session in Bhopal on Tuesday. The 9-time MLA from the Rehli assembly seat suggested that India should eliminate dog breeds entirely, questioning the allocation of resources toward animals while millions of citizens depend on government assistance for basic sustenance.
"We Do Not Require Dogs" - Bhargava's House Statement
Speaking during a discussion in the House, Bhargava declared, "We do not require dogs and should finish that breed." He framed his argument around the government's provision of free rations to approximately 80 crore people across the nation. "In a country where the government has to provide free rations to feed 80 crore people, I think that whether they are pets or stray animals, what is the requirement for dogs?" Bhargava questioned rhetorically. "I want to ask, have people in our country become so wealthy today?"
The former minister, who identifies as a vegetarian, elaborated on his perspective by highlighting what he described as excessive spending on pets. "I was told that people spend Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 daily on these animals," he claimed. "Different breeds of these animals cost 1 lakh rupees each." Bhargava pointed out that the issue of animal welfare is currently being debated in the Supreme Court and several High Courts, and was previously raised in Parliament.
Questioning Legislative Priorities
Bhargava expressed frustration that the state legislature had spent over half an hour discussing animal-related matters. "What is the point of discussing animals until everyone in India has enough food? What is the point of even raising them, whether they are pets or strays?" he asked. In a particularly controversial moment, he stated in Hindi, "Mera sujhao hai ki inke nasl ko katam kiya jaye. Inko khatam kiya jaye," which translates to "My suggestion is to finish this breed, get rid of them."
Clarification to Reporters: A Personal View on Wealth Disparity
Following the session, Bhargava spoke to reporters to clarify that his remarks represented his personal viewpoint. "I have seen some people, not everyone, who have become so rich that they keep dogs as pets," he explained. "Some keep 4 to 6 breeds of dogs, and their non-vegetarian diets are very expensive. They also keep doctors for their treatment."
He emphasized his concern about resource allocation in a developing nation. "So, spending lakhs of rupees every month on them cannot be an issue for discussion in a poor country. That is what I said. We should not pay attention to such a discussion." Bhargava framed his argument as a matter of social conscience, asking, "It is a matter of social thinking: have we ensured 2 square meals for every person and their medical treatment? We will think of dogs afterwards."
Context and Implications
Bhargava's comments come at a time when animal welfare and pet ownership are increasingly prominent topics in Indian society and legal systems. The Supreme Court and various High Courts are actively hearing cases related to stray animal management, pet regulations, and animal rights. Meanwhile, the government's free ration scheme, part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, continues to support millions of vulnerable households across the country.
The legislator's remarks have sparked immediate reactions from animal rights activists, pet owners, and political commentators. Many have condemned his suggestion to "eliminate" dog breeds as extreme and insensitive, while others have engaged with his underlying question about national priorities in resource distribution. The debate touches on broader themes of economic disparity, social values, and how a society balances human welfare with animal welfare.
As a senior political figure with nearly a decade of legislative experience, Bhargava's statements carry significant weight and are likely to fuel ongoing discussions about governance priorities, animal protection laws, and the ethical dimensions of pet ownership in contemporary India.
