"He came as a youtuber, not as Congress leader": Shiv Sena criticises Rahul Gandhi's Dharavi visit

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 8 (ANI): A day after Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with the leather workers of Dharavi, Mumbai, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam criticised the visit, saying that he visited the place more as a Youtuber rather 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.
The Lok Sabha LoP visited Chamar Studio in Dharavi on Thursday (March 6), where he met designer Sudheer Rajbhar and his team of artisans.
The Shiv Sena leader criticised the priorities of the Congress leader, alleging that the Congress' Mumbai unit has been "bankrupt" by votes and money alike, but Rahul Gandhi still could not meet 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 month, 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 importance of inclusive production networks that ensure fair opportunities for marginalized entrepreneurs, particularly Dalits and other underrepresented communities who often 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." (ANI)