Hansraj Ahir Must Apologise for ‘Doctors-Naxals’ Remark: IMA

“If there is no faith in democracy, join Naxalism. We’ll pump bullets into them,” Hansraj Ahir said of the doctors.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded an apology from Hansraj Ahir, after the Union Minister of State for Home lashed out at two doctors at event. IMA secretary Dr Parthiv Sanghvi told reporters, on Tuesday, 26 December, that the minister should either issue an apology or take back his statement.

Mr Ahir is not only a public figure but is also a public servant. He should have been careful with his words. We condemn this in the strongest words. An apology or the withdrawal of statement is expected.

Dr Parthiv Sanghvi to CNN News 18.

What Did He Say?

At the inauguration function of the Amrut Dindayal medical store at Government Medical College Chandrapur (GMCC), Maharashtra, on 25 December, Ahir said that two doctors who had skipped the function "should join the Naxals" so that they could be shot.

I am a democratically elected minister, despite knowing that I am coming here why did the doctor go on leave? If they don’t believe in democracy then they should join Naxals, we will put bullets in them.

Hansraj Ahir to ANI

He made the comments after he was informed that Dr Uday Nawade, a district civil surgeon and Dr S S More, the dean of GMCC, were absent from the inaugural event that was held on the occasion of former prime minister A B Vajpayee’s birthday.

However, sources told The Indian Express, that no official invitation was sent for the function. In fact, the district collector, Ashutosh Sali, who did not attend the event, told the daily that there was no official invite. I found out through a WhatsApp message, he said.

I got a WhatsApp message this morning. Normally, when there is a programme of a minister, the Collector has to get a formal invite.

Ashutosh Sali to The Indian Express

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Talking to the media about the fiasco, Dr Uday Nawade told The Indian Express that he had sent his leave application to Deputy Director of Health Services (Nagpur division) Sanjay Jaiswal. Dr More was also quoted as saying that he was on leave from 23 December to 31 December.

I proceeded on leave on 23 December for personal reasons, and will join on 26 December. I received the message about this programme late on Sunday evening. I don’t have anything else to say.

Dr Uday Nawade to The Indian Express.

(With inputs from ANI, The Indian Express and CNN News 18.)

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(This is a developing story and will be updated)