Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a Lok Sabha MP, faced backlash from more than 200 academics after she referred to an IIT professor as a 'gaumutra expert' (cow urine expert). The academics, in an open letter, condemned the remark as dismissive and undermining scientific temper. The letter stated that labeling a scholar instead of engaging with his views risks undermining the constitutional value of scientific temper. The remark was made in the context of a debate about cow urine's purported health benefits. The incident has stirred controversy, with the academics urging for more substantive discourse. The open letter was signed by 215 academics, according to NDTV, while Times of India reported over 200 signatories. The professor in question has not been named in the reports. Critics argue that such labels trivialize academic debate and reflect poorly on public discourse. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around scientific claims and political rhetoric in India.