New Delhi: A surprising incident has come to light from Uttar Pradeshs Sultanpur where a cobbler Ram Chet has become an unlikely celebrity after a surprise visit from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The Leader of the Opposition, who stopped by Ram Chets roadside shop while in town for a court hearing, sparked a media frenzy when he tried his hand at shoe repair and gifted Ram Chet a sewing machine the next day. Ram Chets life has taken a major turn since Rahul Gandhis visit, as he became famous. Im overwhelmed by the attention, he said, People are stopping their vehicles, calling out to me and showing me so much respect - all thanks to him.RW & Godi media attempts to malign the image of LOP Rahul Gandhi.They questioned what he actually did for the cobbler he met yesterday.Today, a shoe stitching machine has arrived at his shop. pic.twitter.com/wfU8zYZisy— Radhika Barman 🇮🇳 (@RadhikaBarman5) July 27, 2024Rs 10 lakh offer for Gandhi-stitched shoesThe cobbler is receiving substantial offers for the shoes stitched by Mr. Gandhi that day, with one potential buyer offering as much as ₹10 lakh. The offers keep increasing. It started with ₹5 lakh and now has gone up to ₹10 lakh. One person even offered me bags full of cash, but I turned them down. I am not interested in selling, he said. In response to a reporters query, the cobbler humorously quipped, Rahul Gandhi is my partner. We are in this business together.Ram Chet has decided to keep the footwear stitched by Rahul Gandhi, instead offering to compensate its original owner. Ill pay the owner for the sandals, he said. Recalling his conversation with Gandhi, Ram Chet shared that the leader had shown genuine interest in his work. He asked me about shoe repair, and I demonstrated the process. #WATCH | Sultanpur, UP: Shopkeeper claims slippers stitched by LoP Rahul Gandhi are in high demand, price upto Rs. 10 lakhs.Cobbler Ramchait says, People are clicking selfies with me. Rahul Gandhi contacted me. I am getting a lot of calls for that slipper... I have been… pic.twitter.com/aky1Vu9smw— ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2024Officials reach out to cobbler after Rahul Gandhis visitHe even tried his hand at it. Since the photo of Ram Chet with Gandhi went viral, officials have started visiting his makeshift hut, which lacks electricity. Administrative officials are now reaching out to me, inquiring about my challenges. They never bothered to visit me before, Ram Chet noted, highlighting the sudden change in attention.The cobblers run-down accommodation doesnt have the power supply, making it impossible to use the sewing machine gifted by Rahul Gandhi. However, he has found a solution,Ill keep the machine at my sons place which has power and do my sewing work there, he told PTI. Cobblers son appreciates Rahul Gandhis kind gestureCobblers son, Raghuram expressed delight at meeting the Congress leader, saying, He treated us with respect and dignity. He asked why I didnt continue in the cobbling profession and I explained that I left due to lack of respect from customers. I now work as a laborer. Raghurams response highlights the challenges faced by cobblers like his father, who are often stigmatized and disrespected.
