Rahul Gandhi Responds to BJP Criticism Over Viral Video of Dog Encounter: Clarifies Intent Behind Gesture
New Delhi, 6th February 2024: In response to criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding a viral video capturing his interaction with a dog during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Jharkhand, Rahul Gandhi has questioned the BJP’s focus on canines. Gandhi clarified the context of the video, emphasising the benign nature of the dog’s behaviour and his intent to offer it a biscuit.
Gandhi explained that he noticed its nervous demeanour upon approaching the dog and subsequently declined the biscuit. He then handed it over to the dog’s owner, resolving the situation amicably. Highlighting the dog’s eventual consumption of the biscuit from its owner’s hand, Gandhi expressed bewilderment at the BJP’s fixation on the incident and queried the rationale behind their antagonistic stance towards dogs.
Amit Malviya, a prominent BJP leader, shared the video on social media platforms, interpreting Gandhi’s actions as reflective of a broader disregard for party members. Malviya suggested that such behaviour from a leader could potentially alienate supporters, portraying it as a trajectory towards organisational decline.
Furthermore, BJP leader Pallavi CT referenced a separate incident involving Gandhi allegedly offering biscuits from the same plate to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his pet dog Pidi. Sarma, in response, expressed his refusal to consume the biscuits and reaffirmed his commitment to his Assamese and Indian identity. He cited this incident as a contributing factor to his resignation from the Congress party.
