Rahul trolled over 'shikanji', 'dhaba' remark
New Delhi, June 11: Congress President Rahul Gandhi was trolled on Twitter on Monday after he said the maker of Coca-Cola was a "shikanji" (lemonade) seller in the United States and the founder of McDonald's used to run a "dhaba" (roadside restaurant).
After his remarks, a hashtag #AccordingToRahulGandhi started trending on Twitter.
"Who started Coca-Cola company? Do you know? I will tell you who. The maker of Coca-Cola was a 'shikanji' seller. He used to sell 'shikanji' in America. He used to mix sugar in water," said Gandhi while addressing the national convention of the Congress' OBC arm.
"His experience and skill got recognition and respect, he earned money and Coca-Cola company was founded," he added.
Gandhi further said: "You must have heard about McDonald's. The founder of it used to run a 'dhaba'. You show me one 'dhabawala' in India, who founded a company like the one as Coca-Cola. Where is it?"
"Have you heard of Ford, Mercedes and Honda? Who started these companies? The founders of these companies were mechanics. You show me one automobile company in India, which was started by a mechanic," said Gandhi.
Gandhi said: "This is not true that our people don't have understanding or skills. It is not that our 'dhabawalas' don't have strength, understanding and knowledge. It is not that our mechnanics don't have the capabilities as Ford or Mercedes did.
"The truth is the banks are open for companies like Ford, Mercedes and MacDonald's but they are shut for our 'dhabawalas', mechanics and carpenters."
Coca-Cola was founded by American pharmacist John Pemberton in 1886 when he prepared a beverage which later became Cola drink.
McDonald's was set up in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald. It started after they opened a hotdog stand in 1937 in California.
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Death toll climbs to 16 in van-SUV collision in MP's Dhar
Dhar (MP) (PTI): The death toll in the collision between a pick-up van and an SUV in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district has risen to 16, officials said on Thursday.
The van carrying labourers overturned and collided with a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) coming from the opposite direction near Chikliya crossing on the Indore-Ahmedabad National Highway on Wednesday night, they said.
Twelve fatalities were initially reported after the incident. Four more persons later succumbed to their injuries, taking the toll to 16, officials said.
"A very tragic incident occurred in Dhar. I was informed that 46 persons (mostly labourers) were travelling in a pickup vehicle. It overturned and caused an accident. We have received information about the deaths of 15 people. This is very unfortunate," Indore Divisional Commissioner Dr Sudam P Khade told reporters.
Later, one more person succumbed to his injuries, Dhar district hospital's civil surgeon Dr Mukund Burman said.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav have issued instructions to ensure all arrangements are made, and treatment is provided to the injured persons, and that no one is left without care, Khade said.
The divisional commissioner and Inspector General Anurag were monitoring relief operations at the incident spot.
"Seven injured persons have been referred for treatment to Indore. Fifteen people are undergoing treatment here. The patients here are currently stable, but if they need to be referred (elsewhere), everything will be done," Khade said.
"In Indore also, we have deployed a team of doctors and are making all arrangements so that there is no delay or problem in treatment," he added.
The incident occurred between 8.30 and 9 pm on Wednesday. The labourers were returning home in the van from Baggad in Dhar district when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chikliya crossing.
The Tirla police have registered a case and are investigating the accident.
PM Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the incident. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of the deceased, and the injured would receive Rs 50,000.
CM Yadav said instructions have been given to provide Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh each to the seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.
Dhar district in-charge minister Kailash Vijaywargiya said instructions have been given to the local administration to ensure that the injured receive proper treatment.
Leader of Opposition, Umang Singhar, a native of Dhar district, also expressed grief over the accident.
