Ramchet Mochi, a modest shoemaker, operates a small shop outside the district court of Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. His life took an unexpected turn on July 26, when Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, visited his shop. This visit brought Ramchet nationwide recognition.
On that day, Rahul Gandhi spent about half an hour at Ramchet’s shop, learning the intricate art of stitching shoes and slippers. This encounter was more than just a photo opportunity. The very next day, Rahul Gandhi sent Ramchet an electric stitching machine, significantly upgrading his tools of trade.
The slippers Rahul Gandhi stitched during his visit have since become a sensation. Ramchet has received offers ranging from one to ten lakh rupees for these slippers. Despite these lucrative proposals, he refuses to sell them.
A lifetime memento
Ramchet is adamant about preserving the slippers as a lifetime memento. He plans to frame them and keep them in his shop, a symbol of the unique encounter. The value of these slippers continues to rise, with people willing to pay more than one lakh rupees to own them.
Sankata Prasad Tripathi, an elderly resident of Sultanpur, confirms that Ramchet has received numerous offers from various places, yet he remains resolute in his decision not to sell the slippers.
The visit of Rahul Gandhi to Sultanpur was in connection with a court appearance for a defamation case filed against him for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Despite the legal context of his visit, Rahul Gandhi took time to engage with the local community, exemplified by his stop at Ramchet’s shop.
Latest offer reaches ten lakh rupees
Ramchet recounts his experiences with the increasing offers for the slippers. On the first day, he received an offer of one lakh rupees. As days passed, the bids increased, with the latest offer reaching ten lakh rupees. One morning, a person in a large car offered him one lakh rupees, which Ramchet declined. Later, another individual offered over two lakh rupees, which he also refused.
Ramchet has received numerous calls from people eager to buy the slippers. He has consistently turned them down, stating that even an offer of one crore rupees would not persuade him to sell.
Slippers have sentimental value
These slippers have become invaluable to Ramchet. He intends to frame them and keep them in his shop for the rest of his life. He explains that the slippers’ sentimental value far exceeds any monetary offer.
When asked about the identity of those making these offers, Ramchet admits he doesn’t know. He didn’t ask for their names or addresses because he has no intention of selling the slippers. But he says he will not sell slippers for even one crore rupees.
This story of Ramchet Mochi and Rahul Gandhi’s visit highlights the intersection of everyday life and national politics, where a simple shoemaker’s shop became a focal point of public interest. The slippers, now a prized possession, symbolize more than just a piece of footwear—they represent a moment of recognition and a personal connection with a prominent political figure.
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