Last week, actor and BJP MP from Gorakhpur, Ravi Kishan, cited the example of samosas during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha while speaking about non-uniform food pricing at various places. Kishan also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to regulate the prices and quantity of food items in eateries ranging from dhabhas to five-star hotels. In an interview with The Indian Express, he speaks about various aspects of this matter. Excerpts:
*You raised the issue of standardisation of food items and prices. What was it about?
I come from Gorakhpur, where 98% of voters are poor. Parliament has been not functioning properly due to the ruckus over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
I am an artiste, and hence I am sensitive to people’s issues. I have seen poverty, found bad oil in my food while eating out and spoilt my throat. In Europe and America, information like the kind of oil used in the food is mentioned (on the packaging).
*You spoke at length about samosas…
Since I am an artiste, I use humour. Elites do not understand rustic humour. It is an issue that matters to people. I understand that samosa matters to them. Even Rs 10 spent on food matters. I understand this, as in my student days I made Rs 1,300 a month by delivering newspapers.
Though a few people and the Opposition’s IT cell are mocking me, I use the language that connects with the people and that is why I win with big margins.
The people who mock me did not see that I also raised issues like drugs or was rooting for inclusion of Bhojpuri in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
*What do you think the size of samosas must be?
People want to know what the food they are eating contains. They want to know what the size or quantity of the food item that they buy is. Be it a dhaba or a five-star hotel, everyone should be accountable. Currently, five dhabas on the same road are selling the same food item at different prices. Ever since my video has gone viral, people from across the country are messaging me with more such problems.
*How did you come up with the idea of raising this issue?
It has been on my mind for a while. I wanted to raise it but was not getting an opportunity during the Zero Hour. The other day, when the Speaker (Om Birla) allowed Zero Hour and allowed around 200 MPs to speak, I got my chance and started speaking. The matter has become an issue of debate now.
*How do you plan to take this forward?
I am from the ruling party so I will not talk openly about what the government must do. I am doing my homework. I will meet the minister concerned and discuss the remedy. It is a matter related to public health.
