Convince Rahul to get married: Priyanka Gandhi's request to viral CJP protester
A candid exchange between Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mohammad Irfan, the daily wage worker whose remarks during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)
A candid exchange between Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mohammad Irfan, the daily wage worker whose remarks during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar turned him into an internet sensation, has brought a lighter moment into the spotlight surrounding Rahul Gandhi's visit to his home. In an interview with The Lallantop, India Today Digital's sister media outlet, Irfan revealed that Priyanka Gandhi had called him before Rahul Gandhi visited his residence in Delhi's Savda JJ Colony. Read Full Story Recalling the conversation, Irfan said Priyanka jokingly asked him to convince Rahul Gandhi to get married, adding that her brother does not listen to her.
"I told her that I hoped Rahul Gandhi would not get married," Irfan told The Lallantop, recounting the humorous exchange. The Congress MP later visited Irfan's house after the latter's interview from the CJP protest site went viral on social media. During their interaction, Rahul Gandhi heard Irfan's views on democracy, the Constitution, workers' rights and the need for dignified livelihoods. He also invited Irfan and his family to visit Parliament. Irfan, who is around 35, earns a living by selling ice and resides in a partially constructed house in Savda JJ Colony.
Despite having little formal education, he studied only up to an anganwadi level and struggles with reading and writing, Irfan says he educated himself about the Constitution, democracy and labour rights through Google voice search and YouTube videos. His interview with The Lallantop journalist Rajat Pandey, recorded after police action at the Jantar Mantar protest, sparked widespread discussion online, with many viewers praising his understanding of social issues despite his limited access to formal education. Irfan has repeatedly maintained that he joined the CJP protest not for attention but to raise concerns about the struggles of workers in the unorganised sector.
During his conversation with Rahul Gandhi, he said he had no personal demands and instead urged the Congress leader to continue highlighting the issues faced by labourers and economically weaker sections. Ends
The BriefWire