India’s top opposition figure Rahul Gandhi travelled from Washington DC to New York in a truck and engaged in a conversation with the driver that centred around the everyday lives of Indian-origin truck drivers in the US.
The former Congress party president’s journey in the truck during his recent visit to the US came days after he took a truck ride from Delhi to Chandigarh to listen to the problems of truck drivers.
Gandhi went on a 190-km "American Truck Yatra" with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill and his companion Ranjeet Singh Banipal, a journey that ended with a scrumptious breakfast at an eatery, according to a release issued by the party.
Much like his truck ride from Delhi to Chandigarh, a “candid heart-to-heart conversation centred around the everyday lives of Indian-origin truck drivers in America was the highlight of the journey,” the release said.
During the ride, former MP noted that the trucks in the US are designed keeping in mind the safety and comfort of the driver, which is not the case in India.
It was highlighted during the ride that while truck drivers here at home struggle to make ends meet with meagre wages and a record price rise, their American counterparts receive dignity for their labour with decent wages.
During his conversation with Gill about the rising prices of commodities, inflation and politics in India, Gandhi noted that no religion teaches one to spread hate.
They also listened to Sidhu Moosewala's songs along the way.
"There are a lot of lessons we can draw from the American truck industry to plan a new vision for the truck industry here in India. Indian truck drivers are the lifeline of our logistics and deserve a life of dignity too," the statement said.
“They are at the forefront of Bharat Jodo (join India), literally, and their progress is bound to have a positive cascading effect on the entire economy of India,” it added.
Gandhi travelled from Delhi to Chandigarh in a truck Last month. In visuals and videos, the former Congress chief was seen sitting inside a truck, travelling with a driver, and speaking to drivers at a dhaba.
(PTI)
Rahul Gandhi undertakes another truck ride, this time in US
During his journey from Washington DC to New York, the former Congress president speaks with the driver about the lives of Indian-origin truck drivers in America
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)