The Ministry of External Affairs has criticized the recent remarks by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over the cognitive capacity of US President Joe Biden, terming them unfortunate and uncalled for in the context of the friendly relations between India and the US.
The multifaceted partnership between India and the U.S. has been nurtured over the years with mutual respect and cooperation, and such reports are unfortunate and do not further the friendly ties that the government of India maintains with the United States,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a weekly briefing.
Gandhi’s remarks came during a poll rally in Amravati, Maharashtra, on November 16 while attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Modi was exhibiting signs of memory loss just like Biden, who frequently found himself in the headlines whenever he slipped up on his words.
He referred to one incident in which Biden had mistakenly introduced the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as Russian President Vladimir Putin at an event. “My sister said that Modi ji’s speeches have become repetitive, and perhaps he has lost his memory,” said Gandhi.
The BJP immediately denounced Gandhi over the remarks. Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called him “nafrat ke bhaijaan” for the personal attacks on the Prime Minister.
In a related development, a team of medical professionals called for a public apology from Gandhi on the ground that his comments reflected a lack of sensitivity. The medical group pointed out that such a comment is unbecoming of a Leader of Opposition and reflects lack of understanding and sensitivity.
