A day after the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met leather workers in Dharavi, Mumbai, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam criticised the visit, claiming that Gandhi appeared more as a YouTuber than a Congress leader.
“Rahul Gandhi yesterday came to Mumbai not as a Congress leader but as a YouTuber to make a video in Dharavi,” Nirupam told ANI.
On Thursday, the Lok Sabha LoP visited Chamar Studio in Dharavi, where he met designer Sudheer Rajbhar and his team of artisans.
Nirupam criticised Gandhi’s priorities, alleging that the Congress’ Mumbai unit has been “bankrupt” in terms of both votes and finances, yet Gandhi did not meet with them.
“While the Mumbai Congress’ condition is getting worse; their leaders are busier making videos. The party in Mumbai has become bankrupt not just by votes but also by money. Mumbai Congress office has not paid rent for many months, they are also Rs 5 lakhs electricity bill due… If Rahul Gandhi wanted he could have met his leaders here but he did not do so,” Nirupam said.
“Even when I was the State Congress party chief for 4 years I never let such a thing happen,” he added.
During his visit to Dharavi, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the need for inclusive production networks that provide fair opportunities to marginalized entrepreneurs, particularly Dalits and other underrepresented communities who struggle to access markets and support.
“Sudheer Rajbhar of Chamar Studio encapsulates the life and journey of lakhs of Dalit youth in India. Extremely talented, brimming with ideas and hungry to succeed but lacking the access and opportunity to connect with the elite in his field,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.
He added, “However, unlike many others from his community, he got the opportunity to build his own network. He understood the latent skill of the artisans of Dharavi and he created a brand that is recognised in the most esteemed corridors of fashion global.”
(With inputs from ANI)
