Nation

His videos from the protest, where he was seen reciting the Preamble of the Constitution and verses by Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz, went viral on social media. His growing popularity led Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to meet him on Monday, during which Irfan delivered a clear message — he would continue to raise his voice against any leader, including Rahul Gandhi, if promises made to the public were not fulfilled.

Speaking about the meeting, Irfan said he reminded Rahul Gandhi that political power comes with responsibility and that leaders must work for the welfare of ordinary citizens, especially daily wage workers and migrant labourers. He also made it clear that his support was not unconditional.

“I am neutral and want the country to progress. If any leader fails to work for the people, we will oppose them and take our concerns to the streets,” Irfan said, stressing that citizens have the right to question those in power.

Irfan’s simple appearance and straightforward remarks have made him an unexpected symbol of public frustration. Wearing a white outfit with a gamcha around his neck, he became one of the prominent voices during the CJP protest over alleged examination paper leaks, an agitation that later gained national attention.

A resident of Delhi’s Sawda JJ Colony, Irfan told Rahul Gandhi about the difficulties faced by labourers and highlighted concerns over rising economic pressure. He pointed to issues such as worker suicides, financial insecurity and the gap between government policies and ground realities.

He also raised concerns about wages, saying that while official minimum wage figures indicate higher earnings, many workers continue to receive much less despite putting in long hours every day. According to him, the hardships faced by labourers who contribute to the country’s development often remain ignored.

Education was another major issue highlighted by Irfan during his conversation with Rahul Gandhi. He spoke about students dropping out before completing secondary education and argued that access to quality education remains one of the biggest factors determining a person’s future. He also questioned whether skill development institutions such as polytechnics and ITIs are equally accessible to people from poorer backgrounds.

Irfan said political parties often make promises before elections but citizens have every right to demand accountability when their lives do not improve. He added that raising questions about governance should not be viewed negatively, as it is part of a democratic society.

Despite never attending school, Irfan said he developed his understanding of social and political issues through self-learning, using platforms like YouTube and Google voice search on his smartphone.

During his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, their discussion was briefly interrupted by a phone call from Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, who reportedly had a light-hearted request for Irfan — to convince Rahul Gandhi to get married. Irfan responded humorously, saying he believed Rahul Gandhi was a kind-hearted person and appreciated his nature.

Later, Rahul Gandhi shared details of the meeting, praising Irfan’s awareness and sensitivity towards social issues. He described people like Irfan as examples of India’s strength, highlighting their curiosity, awareness and commitment to understanding the country’s challenges.

When asked whether he would like to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Irfan said he had no hesitation despite differences in political views. However, he expressed a desire to meet Home Minister Amit Shah first to discuss concerns related to drug-related issues and alleged gaps in police response.

Irfan claimed that in many underprivileged areas, residents are aware of illegal activities taking place around them, while authorities often fail to take effective action. He said such issues need immediate attention to protect young people from falling into harmful situations.

From the lanes of Sawda JJ Colony to becoming a widely recognised protest voice, Irfan’s journey has been unexpected. His rise began when he recited the Constitution’s Preamble during the student protests, drawing attention to his views on equality and social justice.

For Irfan, the central question remains simple: if the Constitution promises equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, why do so many people continue to remain deprived? His message has turned him into a symbol of grassroots voices demanding accountability from those in power.