A Sweet Diwali Surprise in Old Delhi
Diwali, the festival of lights, often blurs the lines between public and private life, offering a rare glimpse into the personal side of our leaders. This year, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi traded political rallies for the sizzling kadhais of Old Delhi, serving up a surprise that has gone viral online. In an unexpected move, Rahul Gandhi makes ‘imarti’, ‘besan laddoo’ on Diwali, trying his hand at making traditional Indian sweets at the iconic Bengali Sweet House.
From Political Rallies to Sizzling Kadhais
The images were striking. Dressed casually, Rahul Gandhi stood alongside seasoned ‘halwais’, donning an apron with a look of intense concentration. His mission was to master the art of crafting two festive favourites: the bright, syrupy swirls of imarti and the classic, comforting besan laddoo.
According to shop owner Jagdishwar Aggarwal, the visit was completely unannounced. Gandhi arrived with his team, expressing a keen interest in the sweet-making process. Far from a fleeting photo-op, he spent considerable time learning the techniques, from preparing the batter to delicately piping the imartis into hot oil and rolling the warm besan mixture into perfect spheres.
Shop Owner Wants to Deliver Sweets for His Marriage
Beyond the viral social media posts, a heartfelt comment from the shop owner truly captured the spirit of the day. Visibly touched by the visit, Mr. Aggarwal shared his interaction with the press.
“He was very humble and curious,” he said. “He asked about our business, our family, and the challenges we face.” Then, with a hopeful smile, he added the line that is now the talk of the town: “He is a good man. When he gets married, I want to be the one to send the sweets for his wedding. It would be my honour.”
This simple, earnest wish taps into a long-running national conversation about Rahul Gandhi‘s marital status, adding a deeply human layer to the event. Mr. Aggarwal’s statement transformed a political outreach event into a personal blessing, a sentiment that resonates with countless Indian families.
A Masterstroke in Relatable Politics?
Politically, this move is another step in Rahul Gandhi‘s ongoing effort to rebrand himself as an accessible, “people’s leader.” It’s a continuation of the narrative built during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, where he was seen interacting with farmers, truck drivers, and students. By stepping into a hot, bustling kitchen, he projects an image of relatability that aims to cut through the noise of formal politics.
Critics might dismiss it as a calculated PR exercise. However, the genuine delight on the faces of the shop’s staff and the owner’s paternalistic wish suggest it was an effective one. For a moment, amidst the Diwali rush, political affiliations melted away, replaced by the warmth of a shared kitchen and the universal love for mithai.
