New Delhi: In the mood for a ‘yatra’ during his recent visit to the United States, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hopped onto a truck at Washington DC and was a very inquisitive passenger during the 190-km ride to New York.
“Continuing on my journey to listen to a variety of voices” — Gandhi captioned the nearly 10-minute video post of the journey, seated next to truck owner and driver Taljinder Singh.
Gandhi marveled at the adjustable seats, observing that American trucks keep the comfort of the driver foremost in its system.
Indian trucks are not made for drivers, Gandhi noted, adding the US trucks were also safer.
From whether they get more tickets, to the speed limit, to what Singh ate on duty – Gandhi kept up a stream of questions for Singh as co-passenger.
The Congress leader understood the road and traffic rules on American highways, and how its controls directed drivers to the right lane.
He also wanted to know how the vehicle had made “Singh’s life easier”. “It’s automatic,” Singh replied, adding, “You just need to press two buttons.”
Gandhi then asked about the financial benefits of owning and driving a truck. Singh and his friend informed him that hiring companies give them credit facilities on fuel, which made life easier since fuel was the highest cost. They also made 8,000 to 10,000 dollars a month, Singh told a surprised Gandhi.
“We make more than India. It is easier here for the uneducated and those who have no capital to start a business. Cheapest opportunities are here,” Singh said.
Gandhi asked Singh what message he would like to give the truck drivers of India. “It is a hard job,” Singh said, asking that the government should fix minimum wages for them as they get paid very little.
Gandhi also pointed out that in India, drivers could not afford to own a truck unlike in the States. “Yes, they ask for property papers as collateral if Indian drivers want to own a truck… therefore, they end up driving other people’s trucks. That way, we have more potential here,” Singh said.
The truck owner criticised the “BJP’s supporters” who were not talking of “employment, education or how to be a better human being”. “They have been voted to power by the people. There is so much inflation… One should follow one’s own religion. But the true religion is the service of others,” Singh said as Gandhi listened. The politician said no religion teaches to spread hate.
On the topic of murdered Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, Gandhi wanted to hear his popular song “295”.
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