Rahul Gandhi: Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2024, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, made a special visit to Kolhapur. Rahul Gandhi chose to spend time with the family of Ajay Tukaram Sande and Anjana Tukaram Sande, who belong to the Dalit community. This meeting had a unique twist – he didn’t just visit, but also cooked and ate with the family, bringing attention to the Dalit kitchen, an aspect of their culture that is often overlooked.
Rahul Gandhi Shares Meal in a Dalit Kitchen
Rahul Gandhi shared his thoughts on X, talking about his experience. He highlighted how little people know about the Dalit kitchen. He wrote, “Even today, very few people know about Dalit kitchen. As Shahu Patole ji said, ‘No one knows what Dalits eat.’” Rahul Gandhi expressed his curiosity about their food. He also wanted to learn about their cooking methods and the cultural importance of their dishes. This led him to spend an afternoon at the Sande family’s home. He even helped prepare traditional Dalit dishes.
Discusses Dalit Cuisine and Discrimination
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi joined the Sande family in preparing ‘Harbharyachi Bhaji,’ a vegetable dish made from chickpea greens, and ‘tuvar dal’ with brinjal. He explained how he felt honored by the respect shown to him and how cooking together was an experience that offered a deeper understanding of their lives.
While cooking, Gandhi engaged in an in-depth conversation with the family about their personal experiences with caste-based discrimination. Ajay Tukaram Sande, during the conversation, mentioned, “Congress ko hum vote he nahi karte the. Pichhle 4 elections se hum vote nahi karte the.” He further added that in the past few elections, they didn’t find any party worth voting for. Similarly, Shahu Patole remarked, “We were left with only one option—to come to you.”
Rahul Gandhi Stresses on Equality and Protecting Bahujan Rights
In his conversation with the family, Gandhi touched upon the social and political relevance of Dalit cuisine, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and understanding. “The constitution gives participation and rights to the Bahujans, and we will protect that constitution,” he remarked. However, he stressed that true equality will only be possible when every Indian fosters a sense of brotherhood and breaks the barriers of caste.
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