In a candid encounter at a barber shop in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi engaged with Ajit, a local barber, during a visit to the ‘Classic Hair Salon.’ Dressed in his signature white T-shirt, Gandhi took the opportunity to converse with Ajit about his challenges and aspirations, sharing the conversation through a video posted on X.
Seated in the salon with a pink towel draped around his neck, Gandhi prompted Ajit to share his financial struggles, asking, “What will one save from ₹15,000, nothing?” Ajit, who disclosed that he earns between ₹14,000 and ₹15,000 a month while managing rent for both his home and shop, expressed his concerns over the rising cost of living. His monthly pension of ₹2,500 goes entirely towards rent, leaving little for other expenses.
During their conversation, Ajit revealed that his wife suffers from a heart condition, which adds to his stress. As he nervously trimmed Gandhi’s beard, the politician reassured him, saying, “You’re taking too much tension,” to which Ajit replied, “What do I do, sir?” The barber reminisced about the better times he experienced during Congress’s previous rule, stating, “We were very happy under your rule. There was peace during Congress’ rule.”
Ajit, who also shared that he is physically challenged, lamented the difficulties faced by individuals in his situation, saying, “People like us are unable to progress; we’ll remain stuck here. Our children’s future is in jeopardy.” He expressed gratitude for Gandhi’s visit, stating, “At least there is someone to support us poor people; otherwise, who looks out for others in this world?” The encounter ended with a heartfelt hug between the two.
In his post on X, Gandhi reflected on the broader implications of Ajit’s words, saying, “These four words of Ajit Bhai and his tears are telling the story of every hard-working poor and middle-class person of India today.” He highlighted the pressing issues of declining incomes and rising inflation, which he believes have stripped hardworking individuals of their dreams.
Gandhi emphasized the urgent need for modern solutions and new schemes that can revive growth in income and savings, advocating for a society that values skills and rewards hard work. This visit was not Gandhi’s first interaction in a barber shop; he had previously visited a salon in Rae Bareli during Lok Sabha campaign efforts, which resulted in a significant increase in customers at that establishment.
Sources By Agencies