New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has said that he does not like the government residence ’10 Janpath’ located in Lutyens area of Delhi very much, because his father Rajiv Gandhi died while living here. He made this comment in a video of his interaction with some painter and potter families on the occasion of Diwali. In this video, his nephew Rehan Rajiv Vadra is also seen with him. In the video, Rahul Gandhi and Rehan can also be seen working with the painters.
10 Janpath was the official residence of Rajiv Gandhi
In the video, Rahul Gandhi can be heard saying about 10 Janpath that my father died here, so I do not love this house. Rahul Gandhi tells his nephew, “My father died here, so I do not like this house very much.” Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by terrorists in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu on 21 May 1991. At that time, Rajiv Gandhi’s official residence was ’10 Janpath’. Since then, his wife and Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi lives in this house. After losing his membership due to a court decision in the previous Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi vacated his residence in Tughlaq Lane last year and since then he is living with his mother. Later his membership was also restored.
Visited a potter’s house and made diyas on Diwali
Rahul Gandhi interacted with painters and potter families and learned about their experiences and working conditions. Posting this video on his YouTube channel, he said, “A memorable Diwali, with special people. This Diwali was celebrated by working with some painter brothers, making clay diyas with a potter family. I saw their work closely, tried to learn their skills and understood their troubles and problems.” Rahul Gandhi says, “They (people) do not go to their homes. We forget our village, city, family, everything so that we can celebrate the festival happily and earn some money. They make happiness from clay, while lighting up the festivals of others, are they able to live in light themselves? Those who make houses can barely run their own houses.”
Watch video-
He said, ”Diwali means light, which can remove the darkness of poverty and helplessness, in whose flame every household smiles. We have to create such a system- which gives rights to skill and respect to contribution- makes everyone’s Diwali a happy one.” The Congress leader said, ”I hope this Diwali brings prosperity, progress and love in the lives of all of you.”