New Delhi : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met Mohammad Deepak, a youth from Uttarakhand, on Monday, sharing a photograph of the meeting on Instagram to highlight a message of unity and equality. Rahul Gandhi called for every young Indian to embody “a flame of unity and courage.”
The meeting comes weeks after Deepak was at the center of a controversy in Kotdwar, which attracted political attention and public debate. On January 26, activists from Bajrang Dal reportedly gathered outside a clothing store named Baba School Dress in Patel Market, demanding that the 70-year-old owner remove the word “Baba” from the shop’s name, claiming it should only refer to Hindu religious figures.
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During the protest, tensions escalated, and Deepak, a 46-year-old gym owner and friend of the shop owner’s son, intervened. Identifying himself as Mohammad Deepak, he requested the protesters to leave. On January 31, a larger crowd returned for another demonstration outside the shop and Deepak’s gym, blocking the road and raising slogans. Police stepped in to prevent further escalation.
उत्तराखंड के दीपक भारत के हीरो हैं।
दीपक संविधान और इंसानियत के लिए लड़ रहे हैं – उस संविधान के लिए जिसे BJP और संघ परिवार रोज़ रौंदने की साज़िश कर रहे हैं।
वे नफ़रत के बाज़ार में मोहब्बत की दुकान का जीवित प्रतीक हैं और यही बात सत्ता को सबसे ज़्यादा चुभती है।
संघ परिवार… pic.twitter.com/c1D4VHV5XO
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 1, 2026
Rahul Gandhi calls Deepak a symbol of love, accuses Uttarakhand BJP of siding with anti-social elements.
In support of Deepak, Rahul Gandhi had earlier posted on X, describing him as a “hero fighting for the Constitution and humanity” against forces allegedly attempting to divide the country. Rahul Gandhi referred to Deepak as a “symbol of love” and criticized the Sangh Parivar, claiming it was deliberately creating divisions in Indian society. He also accused the Uttarakhand BJP government of siding with anti-social elements that intimidate ordinary citizens.
Through this meeting, Rahul Gandhi underscored the values of equality and Indian unity, praising Deepak’s courage in standing up against intimidation and communal pressures.