Trends to 'boycott Maneka Gandhi' sparked a firestorm on Twitter Wednesday, after an alleged audio of the Lok Sabha MP abusing a veterinary doctor went viral. The Indian Veterinary Association (IVA) has taken a strong stand in the matter, protesting Gandhi's actions in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister.
As per reports, Gandhi in the purported leaked audio is heard reprimanding a vet - one Vikas - for amputating an injured dog's leg. She allegedly threatens to suspend his license, accusing him of not treating the animal in a proper manner.
Social media users have flared up in outrage against Gandhi, who is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member and former Minister of Women and Child Development in Narendra Modi's government.
The IVA has called vets across India to observe a Black Day on June 23 and don black bands while discharging duty.
The letter from the IVA to Modi doing rounds on social media says, "It is a matter of grave concern that Smt Maneka Gandhi, Honourable MP, Lok Sabha, habitually and repeatedly threatens veterinarians claiming settlements (audio clip attached). In earlier instance, we, at Indian Veterinary Association, had requested her to refrain from using disgraceful and derogatory comments..."