“Biryani for Strays Sparks Political Row in Bengaluru”

BBMP’s ₹2.8-Crore Plan to Feed Street Dogs Draws Criticism from BJP, Mixed Public Response

Bengaluru : The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) new plan to serve chicken biryani to stray dogs has ignited a heated political and public debate. The initiative, aimed at curbing canine aggression by offering them regular meals, has been met with both support and severe backlash.

BBMP Special Commissioner Vikas Suralkar Kishore confirmed that the plan is being piloted across eight city zones with a floated tender of ₹2.80 crore. The civic body hopes the move will help manage the growing number of stray dogs more humanely by reducing their aggression, a common complaint among residents.

While animal lovers and some civic groups have welcomed the initiative as a compassionate step, opposition parties—particularly the BJP—have strongly condemned it.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka called the scheme “a ploy to loot public funds under the guise of compassion.” Criticising the state of city infrastructure, he said, “There are pothole-ridden roads, poorly maintained parks, underfunded BBMP hospitals, and unpaid schoolteachers. Amid all this, a ‘Bow Bow Biryani’ scheme is being floated. This is nothing but misuse of taxpayer money.”

Ashoka also expressed concerns about the transparency of the initiative, alleging that such schemes often result in scams. “Eventually an inquiry committee will be formed, and its report will be buried. This is how irregularities are institutionalised,” he said.

Another BJP leader accused the Congress-led state government of attempting to reduce “Brand Bengaluru” to “Biryani Bengaluru.” He stated that while feeding stray dogs is not objectionable in itself, allocating public funds for it when NGOs and local residents already carry out such efforts raises serious questions. “People have the right to ask how their tax money is being spent,” he remarked.

He further claimed there are between 8 to 10 lakh stray dogs within BBMP limits, and the civic body should instead focus on pressing issues like improving BBMP-run schools and curbing the rise of diseases such as rabies. He also warned that leftover food could attract rats and pests, potentially triggering health issues such as plague and leptospirosis.

The scheme has gone viral on social media, evoking mixed reactions. While some citizens praised the humane approach, others questioned the practicality and financial justification of the plan.

As debate rages on, the BBMP is yet to formally respond to the allegations or clarify the future course of the pilot initiative.