BJP flays Karnataka government over ‘biryani for street dogs’ scheme

Bengaluru: BJP leaders, including Jayanagar MLA C K Ramamurthy, have criticised the state government’s decision to provide ‘biryani’ to street dogs, claiming it is turning Bengaluru into ‘Biryani Bengaluru’ instead of Brand Bengaluru.

Addressing a press conference, Ramamurthy alleged that the Congress government in the state is preparing to loot public money in the name of biryani for stray dogs.

“Who came up with this plan? The BBMP commissioner and the Bengaluru in-charge minister must issue a clarification,” he demanded.

“We don’t oppose feeding stray dogs. NGOs, donors, residents, and hotel owners have been doing it for years. But when taxpayer money is used, questions must be asked,” he added.

The 2023 survey estimates Bengaluru has around 3 to 4 lakh stray dogs.

“Vaccination and sterilisation are BBMP’s responsibility. Many areas, especially slums and rural zones, are reeling under the stray dog menace. Senior citizens are scared to walk in parks,” he pointed out.

“While the government spends only Rs 12.45 on a poor child’s mid-day meal, it is spending Rs 22 on dog food. Does this mean dogs deserve better nutrition than underprivileged children?” he asked.

Ramamurthy also questioned selective feeding. “If 500 dogs are fed in one zone, what about the rest? Why this discrimination among dogs?” he remarked.

“When the education minister says there’s no money for school uniforms or shoes and relies on donors, how is there money for dog biryani?” he wanted to know. 

Bengaluru City Central District President Saptagiri Gowda, and former BBMP members Umesh Shetty and B B V Ganesh were present.