Congressman Rahul Gandhi has been urged by a group of medical experts to issue a public apology for remarks he made on US President Joe Biden’s cognitive capacity. Rahul Gandhi’s mother, Sonia Gandhi, received a letter from Dr. CB Tripathi, the All India President of the National Medicos Organization Bharat (NMO-Bharat), expressing worry over Rahul Gandhi’s comments at a political rally in Amravati, Maharashtra, on November 16, 2024. At the rally, Gandhi had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of having “memory loss” in a way that seemed to be directed at outgoing US President Joe Biden, implying that Modi’s ailment was similar to Biden’s cognitive difficulties.
These comments were deemed unacceptable by the medical experts, who pointed out that they demonstrated a lack of awareness of ageing and cognitive health in addition to making fun of a foreign leader’s cognitive capacities. The letter claims that such claims reinforce negative preconceptions about the elderly, particularly the idea that cognitive decline is a normal aspect of ageing. They maintained that such ageist remarks were demeaning to Biden as well as to senior citizens in India who, in spite of health issues, nonetheless make significant contributions to society.
The doctors stressed that Rahul Gandhi’s comments were “unbecoming” of a Leader of the Opposition and showed a lack of knowledge about health and ageing issues. They further contended that his remarks would aid in the dissemination of false information, which might have an adverse effect on public opinion and the care of real patients suffering from cognitive impairments. According to the NMO-Bharat, these comments ran the risk of influencing public opinion in ways that diminish the dignity of the elderly and those with cognitive impairments.
The letter further highlighted the damage that such narratives can do to people and the larger social discourse by reminding Sonia Gandhi that she had previously been the subject of similar health-related rumors and false information. The medical organization called on Sonia Gandhi to step in and make sure Rahul Gandhi’s comments were taken down in order to preserve respect for senior citizens in India and outside and to prevent more harm to the public’s awareness of health issues.
The group of medical experts concluded by urging Rahul Gandhi to issue a public apology and stressing the value of showing consideration for the elderly and exercising greater caution when speaking about health issues, particularly in public.
SOURCE :
HINDUSTAN TIMES
