Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday met Deepak Kumar, a gym owner from Uttarakhand who came into the spotlight as “Mohammad Deepak” after confronting Bajrang Dal activists. Rahul expressed support for him and said he would visit Kotdwar and take membership at his gym.
The meeting took place at 10 Janpath, the residence of Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi. Congress leader Vaibhav Walia, Deepak Kumar, his friend Vijay Rawat and others were present. Deepak also met Sonia Gandhi during the visit.
In a Facebook post, Rahul Gandhi said every human being is equal. He called it the true spirit of India and referred to it as “mohabbat ki dukaan.” He said the flame of unity and courage shown by Deepak should inspire every young Indian. Gandhi also spoke to Deepak’s wife over the phone.
After the meeting, Deepak told mediapersons that Rahul Gandhi had invited him. He said Rahul introduced him to Sonia Gandhi and praised him for his stand. According to Deepak, Rahul told him he would come to Kotdwar and take membership in his gym.
Vaibhav Walia said Deepak has carried forward the message of unity that Rahul Gandhi shared during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. He said they are thankful to Rahul Gandhi for honouring a young man who stood up for humanity and love. He expressed hope that love would defeat hatred in Uttarakhand and across the country.
The controversy began on January 26 when Bajrang Dal activists protested outside a clothing store named ‘Baba’ on Patel Marg in Kotdwar. They reportedly pressurised its 70-year-old owner, Vakil Ahmed, to change the name of the shop.
During the protest, a clash broke out between the activists, the shop owner and Deepak Kumar, who is a friend of Ahmed’s son. Deepak identified himself as Mohammad Deepak and forced the protesters to retreat.
On January 31, a larger group again gathered outside the shop and Deepak’s gym. They blocked the road and raised slogans. Police intervened in time and prevented the situation from escalating. Three FIRs were registered in connection with the incidents.
Fresh tension arose after a video by the Hindu Raksha Dal went viral. In the video, a man threatened to march to Kotdwar on February 12 to “teach Deepak a lesson.” Authorities have since kept strict vigil to avoid any flare-up.
Deepak, who owns ‘The Hulk’ gym in Kotdwar, had earlier said his business suffered badly after the incident. He said the tension has affected his livelihood.
After this incident, Rahul Gandhi had expressed support for Deepak. He alleged that the Sangh Parivar is spreading division in society. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha described Deepak as a hero who is standing up for the Constitution and humanity.
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