Doctors demand apology from Rahul Gandhi for ‘disparaging’ remarks against Joe Biden | Latest Indian News

A group of medical practitioners has demanded a public apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks about US President Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities.

In a letter to former Congress chief and Rahul Gandhi’s mother Sonia Gandhi, All India National Medical Organization-Bharat (NMO-Bharat) president CB Tripathi said Rahul Gandhi’s comments suggested a “lack of sensitivity and perpetuated harmful stereotypes about aging and cognitive health.” “

“We write this letter as concerned members of the medical community, deeply concerned by recent remarks attributed to Mr. Rahul Gandhi that appear to disparage the cognitive abilities of United States President Joe Biden,” PTI quoted the letter as saying. .

“It is unfortunate to see Rahul Gandhi making such rude comments about a foreign head of state who is much older and senior to him. This goes against our Indian ideal of respect for elders.”

Addressing a rally in Maharashtra’s Amravati on November 16, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to be suffering from “memory loss” like the “former president” of the US, in an apparent reference to Biden, the outgoing president United States of America.

Medical practitioners said such remarks were also “unbecoming” of an opposition leader and showed a “lack of understanding and sensitivity”.

They added that such statements risk perpetuating misinformation and potentially shaping public opinion in ways that could negatively impact understanding and treatment of actual patients.

“Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s comments also deviate from the theme of ageism, perpetuating harmful stereotypes about aging and cognitive health. It is not only disrespectful to the individuals targeted, but also to the many senior citizens in India who make meaningful contributions to life society, despite health problems,” added the medical practitioners.

They also said that Sonia Gandhi has also been a victim of similar rumors, misinformation and allegations related to health.

“You know how damaging such stories can be, not only to the individuals they are directed at, but also to the wider public. This gives us confidence that you, of all people, can understand why your son’s statements were both unfortunate and erroneous,” the letter said.