Cobbler Rejects Bag of Money Offer: The Story Behind Rahul’s Custom Sewn Shoes

On July 26, Rahul Gandhi visited Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh. During his visit, he stopped at a cobbler’s shop and repaired some sandals and shoes. These sandals are now fetching a high price, but the cobbler, Ramchait, is not willing to sell them. Ramchait mentioned that he received an offer of up to 1 lakh rupees for the sandals. One person even offered to bring a bag full of money.

Rahul Gandhi’s Gift to Ramchait:

At the shop, Rahul gifted a sewing machine to Ramchait and later called him to check if everything was alright. Since the phone call, Ramchait’s confidence has increased. He mentioned that he would now support Rahul’s party.

Changes in Ramchait’s Life:

Since Rahul Gandhi’s visit, Ramchait’s lifestyle has changed. His small shop near the Kurabhar Vidhayaknagar crossroad now sees visits from officials, employees, and villagers who often surround him.

Public Demand for Sandals:

People have been calling Ramchait to buy the sandals Rahul repaired. Visitors from far and wide come to his shop, offering high prices. Despite tempting offers, including bags of money, Ramchait refuses to sell the sandals, considering them a symbol of their leader.

A Visitor Offers Money:

On Monday morning, a person came by car and offered 10,000 rupees after seeing the sandals repaired by Rahul. Ramchait refused to sell them, stating they were a keepsake from their leader.

Gift of Shoes to Rahul:

Ramchait revealed that Rahul Gandhi had gifted him a machine to sew shoes and sandals. The next day, Rahul called to check on him. Ramchait sent two pairs of shoes to Rahul as a gift. Rahul’s team, upon visiting Ramchait’s home, mentioned that Rahul wears size 9 shoes. Ramchait prepared shoes in sizes 9 and 10 and sent them as gifts.

Administrative Assistance:

After Rahul’s visit, local administration officials started visiting Ramchait’s home, inquiring about his problems and promising help. Ramchait mentioned that in his 30 years of working as a cobbler, no leader had offered assistance until Rahul’s visit.

The Value of the Sewing Machine:

The sewing machine gifted to Ramchait is made in Japan and worth over 1 lakh rupees. No other cobbler in Sultanpur owns such a machine. Ramchait has started using it to sew shoes and sandals in his hut.

About Ramchait’s Village:

Ramchait’s village, Mathiya, is located 15 km from Sultanpur headquarters in Kurabhar block. It is about 1.5 km from the main road. Ramchait’s hut is in the middle of the village, which has a population of around 800.

Personal Life:

Ramchait’s wife, Shanti Devi, passed away in 2001 due to illness. He has two sons, Raghavram and Rajaram. Raghav works as a laborer in the village, while Rajaram works in another city. His daughter Gudiya was married three years ago in Kariya Bajan. Ramchait took a loan for her wedding and still has a debt of 40-50 thousand rupees.

Daily Earnings:

Ramchait has three brothers and two sisters. As the eldest, he took over the cobbler’s shop from his father. For the past 30 years, he has been running the shop himself, earning around 100-200 rupees daily.

Raghavram’s Comment:

Ramchait’s son Raghavram mentioned that their village is far from development. There are no proper roads or drainage systems. His father does not receive any government benefits like the Kisan Samman Nidhi. After Rahul’s visit on July 26, officials have started visiting their shop, promising a house and road construction.

Photos of Rahul Gandhi’s Unexpected Visit:

On July 26, Rahul Gandhi attended a hearing in the MP/MLA court in Sultanpur for the Amit Shah defamation case. After the hearing, he stopped at Ramchait’s shop to check on him. Ramchait shared his struggles and appealed for help.