Tensions simmered in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday, the budget session’s second day, as stray dogs in Bhopal became a flashpoint for governance critique. Congress MLA Aatif Akil’s attention motion unveiled a city under siege from feral packs.
Hailing from Bhopal Uttar, the rookie lawmaker detailed the horror: stray numbers soaring despite BMC’s Rs 2 crore investment in neutering and jabs. ‘Daily 40-50 attacks hit children and elders hardest,’ Akil said, slamming the efforts as futile. Captured strays get treated, but streets teem anew—a ticking public health bomb.
Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP heavyweight, pushed back with facts. Bhopal’s dog squad springs into action on reports; 26,900 vaccinated this year, 5,023 anti-rabies doses ready. No bite-related deaths, he insisted. Leaning on heritage, he advised, ‘Feed dogs their share of roti to prevent rage, alongside cows and ants.’
Bantering ensued: Congress’s Shekhawat chided Vijayvargiya’s focus, BJP’s Sharma mocked ‘dog terrorists.’ Sharma and Jain raised alarms on vaccine scarcity, seeking assurances.
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar pivoted to Indore’s tragedy—35 deaths from tainted water in Bhagirathpura. ‘Government chats strays but shuns water deaths, the real killer,’ he accused, spotlighting misplaced emphasis.
This wasn’t mere debate; it mirrored citizen plight amid urban decay. Stray control demands smarter strategies—sustained drives, community involvement. Water safety requires equal urgency: testing, purification, accountability. The assembly’s vigor must translate to on-ground change, protecting the vulnerable from preventable perils.