Petition over Gandhi remark on Kamakoti

A petition on Change.org, launched on August 1, 2026, has gathered over 14,000 signatures from academics and scientists, including overseas Indian scientists from more than 38 countries. The petition urges India — Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to intervene after Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi referred to IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti as a 'gau mutra expert' during parliamentary proceedings. The remark, made during a discussion on examination reforms, was criticized as personal and disparaging, undermining the dignity of an eminent scientist. The petition demands that Gandhi withdraw the expression and express regret, and that the Speaker reaffirm high standards of parliamentary language. The controversy highlights tensions between political discourse and respect for academic figures.