Rahul Gandhi Explores Dalit Culinary Traditions With Kolhapur Couple: ‘Nobody Knows What Dalits Eat’ — WATCH

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited a Dalit family in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, emphasising the importance of recognising and documenting Dalit cuisine

A video shared by Rahul Gandhi shows his visit to the home of Ajay Tukaram Sanade and Anjana Tukaram Sanade in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, where he participated in cooking a traditional Dalit meal.

Source : X/@RahulGandhi

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the Constitution and safeguarding the rights of Bahujans during an interaction with a Dalit family in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. In a video shared on his social media handles on Monday, Rahul emphasised that true inclusion and equality would only be realised when every Indian embraces a spirit of brotherhood.

The video captures Rahul Gandhi's visit to the home of Ajay Tukaram Sanade and Anjana Tukaram Sanade, where he participated in cooking a traditional Dalit meal. The Congress leader expressed his curiosity about Dalit cuisine, referencing a quote by Shahu Patole: "Nobody knows what Dalits eat." He highlighted the significance of documenting Dalit culinary practices and their social and political implications.

"Even today, very few people know about Dalit kitchens. As Shahu Patole said, 'Nobody knows what Dalits eat.' Intrigued by what they eat, how they cook, and its social and political significance, I spent an afternoon with Ajay Tukaram Sanade and Anjana Tukaram Sanade," the Congress leader said in his post on X, sharing a video of the interaction.

दलित किचन के बारे में आज भी बहुत कम लोग जानते हैं। जैसा शाहू पटोले जी ने कहा, “दलित क्या खाते हैं, कोई नहीं जानता।”

वो क्या खाते हैं, कैसे पकाते हैं, और इसका सामाजिक और राजनीतिक महत्व क्या है, इस जिज्ञासा के साथ, मैंने अजय तुकाराम सनदे जी और अंजना तुकाराम सनदे जी के साथ एक दोपहर… pic.twitter.com/yPjXUQt9te

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 7, 2024

During the visit, Rahul and the Sanade family prepared 'Harbharyachi Bhaji' (chickpea greens), 'tuvar dal' with brinjal, and other traditional dishes. He remarked, "They honoured me by inviting me to their home in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, to help out in the kitchen."

Constitution Gives Bahujans A Share And Rights, We Will Protect It: Rahul Gandhi

The Lok Sabha LoP shared that the cooking session allowed him to engage in a candid conversation with the Sanade family about their experiences with caste-based discrimination and the importance of Dalit cuisine. "Talking about Patole ji and the Sanade family’s personal experiences with caste and discrimination, we discussed the lack of awareness about Dalit cuisine and the importance of documentation of this culture," Rahul added.

Shahu Patole, who was present during the interaction, informed Rahul about his book Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada, which has been translated into English. The book aims to bring visibility to the foods eaten by Dalits, which remain largely unknown to many.

Rahul reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the Constitution, stating, "The Constitution gives Bahujans a share and rights, and we will protect that Constitution." However, he stressed that the true essence of inclusion and equality could only be achieved when every Indian works with a feeling of brotherhood.

This visit comes in the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections, expected later this year. Notably, Rahul has also called for a nationwide caste census, emphasising that it would ensure representation and justice for backward communities.