Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently went to the United States and travelled from Washington to New York in a truck. During his journey he had a candid conversation with the driver that revolved around the everyday lives of Indian-origin truck drivers in the country. According to a release issued by the party, the Congress leader went on a 190-km "American Truck Yatra" from Washington DC to New York with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill and his companion Ranjeet Singh Banipal. At the end of the journey he also had breakfast with them at an eatery.
During his conversation with Gill, Gandhi pointed out how trucks in the US are extremely comfortable and are designed keeping in mind the safety and comfort of the driver, while trucks in India have no such facilities.
He also showed his interest in knowing how much the truck drivers earn in the US as compared to drivers back home. "Kitna Kama Lete ho? (How much do you earn?' the Congress leader was heard asking the truck driver in US.
Gill gave a number that surprised Gandhi as it was way beyond what drivers earn in India.
During his conversation with Gill about the rising prices of commodities, inflation and politics in India, Gandhi noted that no religion teaches one to spread hate.
They also listened to Sidhu Moosewala's songs along the way.
"There are a lot of lessons we can draw from the American truck industry to plan a new vision for the truck industry here in India. Indian truck drivers are the lifeline of our logistics and deserve a life of dignity too," the statement said.
Gandhi travelled from Delhi to Chandigarh in a truck Last month. In visuals and videos, the former Congress chief was seen sitting inside a truck, travelling with a driver, and speaking to drivers at a dhaba, according to PTI.