Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi meets health club coach Deepak, who defended Advocate Ahmed’s Baba College Gown & Matching Centre in Kotdwar, in New Delhi on February 23, 2026.
| Picture Credit score: ANI
Chief of the Opposition within the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday (February 23, 2026) met Deepak Kumar from Uttarakhand who confronted right-wing activists after they allegedly harassed a 71-year-old Muslim garment vendor over the title of his store. Mr. Kumar had recognized himself as ‘Mohammad’ Deepak to the boys who had pressured the garment vendor to alter the title of his store on Republic Day (January 26, 2026).
The assembly occurred at 10, Janpath — the residence of Congress Parliamentary Social gathering chairperson Sonia Gandhi — within the nationwide capital. Mr. Kumar was accompanied by his buddy Vijay Rawat who supported him in the course of the confrontation.
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The Congress posted footage of the assembly on its official X deal with and hailed Mr. Kumar for “setting an instance of unity, brotherhood, and braveness — one that may encourage each younger individual within the nation to muster the braveness to combat in opposition to injustice and hatred.”
“Do Bhai, Mohabbat Ke Sipahi (two brothers, troopers of affection),” learn the caption of an image exhibiting Mr. Gandhi and Mr. Kumar hugging one another.
Additionally Learn | CPI(M) chief Brittas meets Uttarakhand health club proprietor Deepak, shopkeeper, after alleged right-wing harassment
‘Worry of life’
Talking to the media after assembly Mr. Gandhi, Mr. Kumar mentioned that the Congress chief prolonged solidarity with him and consoled his household which feared for his life after his confrontation with the right-wing ‘goons’.
“Rahul ji mentioned that he’ll come to Kotdwar and take membership in my health club… He assured me that I’m not alone on this combat. He additionally gave me braveness saying that no matter I’ve carried out was proper,” Mr. Kumar mentioned.
Mr. Kumar, who runs ‘Hulk’ health club in Kotdwar city of Uttarakhand, mentioned that the incident on Republic Day, registration of FIR over it, and subsequent protests by Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal members have taken a toll on his enterprise. He additionally mentioned that he’s now getting help from throughout the nation.
Additionally Learn | Two males who opposed harassment of Muslim shopkeeper booked in Uttarakhand
Earlier, Mr. Gandhi had expressed help to Mr. Kumar. In a social media publish, he had mentioned that the episode had mirrored the values of equality and unity, each central to India’s ethos. He had mentioned that the spirit of concord and braveness must be mirrored among the many nation’s youth.
Two days earlier than assembly the Chief of the Opposition, Mr. Kumar and Mr. Rawat had launched a video on Instagram sharing their plan to organise a nationwide march which they named “Insaniyat Jodo Yatra” (Unite Humanity March).
“I get immense love from you folks… Let me know what do you consider our plan,” Mr. Kumar mentioned within the video.
Printed – February 23, 2026 05:16 pm IST
