Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi met Deepak Kumar, the Uttarakhand gym owner widely known as “Mohammad Deepak”, at the Delhi residence of senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on February 23, 2026. The gym owner rose to national prominence after defending a Muslim shopkeeper from harassment by right-wing activists in Kotdwar, Pauri Garhwal district. The Congress leadership publicly expressed support for Deepak, framing his actions as an example of unity and courage.
A powerful reminder from Shri Rahul Gandhi that India’s true strength lies in unity, equality, and humanity.
In Uttarakhand, Deepak Kumar stood up against harassment by right-wing activists and defended an elderly Muslim shopkeeper, identifying himself as “Mohammad Deepak.” His… pic.twitter.com/37UKlmYBx0
— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) February 23, 2026
Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress leader Vaibhav Walia and Deepak’s associate Vijay Rawat, received Deepak at 10 Janpath. The meeting was widely shared by the party across social media and covered by multiple news outlets.
Support and Solidarity
During the interaction, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of equality and communal harmony, stating that “every human being is equal” and describing Deepak’s intervention as aligned with a message of unity. He said Deepak’s actions should inspire “the same flame of unity and courage” among young people across India. Gandhi also spoke with Deepak’s wife by phone and offered encouragement.
As a gesture of solidarity, Rahul Gandhi said he intended to visit Deepak’s gym in Kotdwar and take a membership, a symbolic move aimed at supporting the gym owner’s livelihood. Deepak runs the Hulk Gym in Kotdwar, which, according to media reports, has suffered a sharp decline in membership after the incident.
Deepak later told reporters that he was grateful for the support and that Rahul had reassured him that he had done nothing wrong. He reiterated that Gandhi’s encouragement had bolstered his resolve amidst the controversy.
Background: The Kotdwar Incident
The controversy began on January 26, 2026, Republic Day, when a group of activists from the Bajrang Dal protested outside a clothing store owned by a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper in Kotdwar. The protesters reportedly demanded that the word “Baba” be removed from the shop’s name, claiming it was exclusively a religious reference.
Deepak intervened in the confrontation, forcing the protesters to retreat. When asked his name during the clash, he replied defiantly, “My name is Mohammad Deepak,” a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
In the days following the incident, multiple FIRs were filed related to the episodes of protest and counter-protest. The gym owner also faced threats and a decline in customers, with many members reportedly avoiding his gym out of concern for their safety.
Political and Public Reaction
The meeting in New Delhi reflects the Congress party’s broader political messaging, particularly themes emphasising unity, secularism and resistance to communal intimidation. Party leaders linked Deepak’s stand to narratives from the Bharat Jodo Yatra, a nationwide campaign focused on social cohesion and harmony.
The Uttarakhand BJP criticized the meeting, accusing Rahul Gandhi of promoting appeasement and interfering in the state’s social fabric. The opposition’s response highlights how an individual act of solidarity has been absorbed into larger political debates ahead of future elections.
In support of Deepak, a number of senior advocates from the Supreme Court of India reportedly purchased long-term gym memberships to help sustain his business after the drop in clientele.
Impact on Deepak’s Livelihood
Deepak’s gym, which once had around 150 members, saw attendance slump to around 12-15 daily regulars after the controversy. The fall in business has been widely reported and underscores the economic consequences that can follow public confrontations over communal issues.
Despite challenges, Deepak has expressed hope that support from across the country, including from public figures and legal professionals, will help sustain his enterprise and amplify his message of unity.