Gym operator Deepak Kumar, who came into limelight after standing in support of a Muslim shopkeeper in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, met Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. After this meeting, Deepak said that Rahul Gandhi himself called him, encouraged him and assured him that he had not done anything wrong.

Meeting took place at 10 Janpath
Deepak Kumar met at ’10 Janpath’ in Delhi, where Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi lives. During this, Congress leader Vaibhav Walia, Deepak’s friend Vijay Rawat and some other people were also present. Rahul Gandhi made Deepak meet Sonia Gandhi and also spoke to his wife on phone.

‘I will come to Kotdwar and take gym membership’- Rahul Gandhi
After the meeting, Deepak told that Rahul Gandhi told him that he has done good work and there is no need to be afraid. According to Deepak, Rahul Gandhi also said that he would come to Kotdwar and take membership of his gym.

leader of opposition shri @RahulGandhi Met ‘Mohammed Deepak’ of Uttarakhand.

Mohammad Deepak has set an example of unity, brotherhood and courage – which will give courage to every youth of the country to fight against injustice and hatred.

Deepak is the warrior of ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’ – the entire country is proud of him.

… pic.twitter.com/pxGkXZCVKI

— Congress (@INCIndia) February 23, 2026

What did Vaibhav Walia say?
Congress leader Vaibhav Walia said that during ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, Rahul Gandhi had given the message of opening ‘love shops’ in the country and Deepak has taken forward the same thinking. He said that the youth who stand for humanity should be respected.

What is the whole matter?
On January 26, there was a dispute in Kotdwar over pressure to change the name of a clothing shop. It is alleged that some workers of Bajrang Dal had gathered outside the shop. Meanwhile, Deepak Kumar, a friend of the son of shopkeeper lawyer Ahmed, protested and handled the situation. After this incident, Rahul Gandhi had called Deepak ‘Hero of India’ on social media. Now after the meeting in Delhi, this matter is again in discussion.