WASHINGTON: A leading American medical journal has lashed out at U.S. lawmakers for being influenced by the powerful gun lobby to block the nomination of Indian-American Vivek Murthy for the post of U.S. Surgeon General, describing the move as a new form of "political blackmail."

"The critical question is this: Should a special-interest organisation like National Rifle Association (NRA) have veto power over the appointment of the nation's top doctor? The very idea is unacceptable," the New England Medical Journal said in its latest issue that hit the stands yesterday.

Boston-based Murthy, 36, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, would be the first Indian-American and the youngest ever to occupy the top position.

In its editorial, the Journal alleged that 10 Senate Democrats were apparently prepared to vote against Murthy's confirmation because of his personal views on gun control.

The gun lobby led by the NRA has been opposing Murthy's nomination, who supported Obama's move against gun-culture in the U.S.

"It is of great concern to us and to many other members of the healthcare community that Murthy's nomination is in jeopardy because of NRA opposition," the journal said.

"The NRA opposes Murthy solely on the grounds that he has advocated reasonable and mainstream forms of gun regulation, including an assault-weapons ban, a limit on ammunition sales, and required safety training. Given that there are more than 30,000 firearm deaths in the US each year, Murthy's views on potential safeguards are unsurprising," the editorial said.

This is the first time the NRA has flexed its political muscle over the appointment of a surgeon general. The NRA has taken this action even though the surgeon general has no authority over firearm regulation.
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