Bengaluru– A unique initiative by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to feed chicken biryani to stray dogs has triggered widespread controversy, drawing criticism from opposition leaders and mixed reactions from the public.
BBMP Special Commissioner Vikas Suralkar Kishore recently announced the plan, which aims to reduce aggression in stray dogs across the city’s eight municipal zones. To implement the program, a ₹2.8 crore tender has been floated.
While some animal lovers have welcomed the move, the initiative has become a lightning rod for criticism on social media and in political circles. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the ruling administration of wasting taxpayer money and using the scheme as a cover for corruption.
“The BBMP’s plan to feed biryani to street dogs is a pretext for looting public funds,” alleged R. Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition. “Children are being attacked by stray dogs, and BBMP should be working on reducing their population. Feeding them biryani will not solve this problem.”
Ashoka also questioned the timing and priority of the scheme:
“People already feed dogs in every locality. Meanwhile, city roads are full of potholes, public parks are in disrepair, BBMP hospitals struggle to pay salaries, and school teachers are going unpaid. With no funds for essential services, why is feeding biryani to dogs a priority?”
He warned that the plan is likely to result in financial irregularities.
“Eventually, there will be a scam, an inquiry will be ordered, and the report will be buried. We’ve seen this playbook before,” he said.
Another BJP leader slammed the move, saying the government is turning “Brand Bengaluru” into “Biryani Bengaluru.”
“We have no issue with feeding stray dogs—many NGOs, hotel owners, and residents already do that. But when taxpayer money is spent on something that appears wasteful, people are right to question the intent,” he said.
He further claimed there are an estimated 8 to 10 lakh stray dogs within BBMP limits and that residents are struggling to access anti-rabies vaccines.
“Instead of improving BBMP schools and increasing student attendance, the government is prioritising dog-feeding schemes. This could also invite public health issues like plague or leptospirosis, if rats and pests consume leftover food,” he warned.
As the controversy continues to unfold, BBMP has not yet issued a formal response to the criticism. (Source: IANS)
