New Delhi/IBNS: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Monday visited a "Dalit kitchen" during his recent visit to Maharashtra's Kolhapur as he was curious to know "what they eat, how they cook and its social and political significance".

During his visit to the home of a Dalit farmer, Ajay Tukaram Sanade, at Unchaon village in Kolhapur on Saturday, he not only enjoyed a hearty and "spicy" meal with the family but also helped prepare it.

He was also accompanied by Shahu Patole, the author of the book 'Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada'.

"No one knows what we (Dalits) eat," said Patole.

"You said an interesting thing that no one knows what you eat, how you cook it. Which is why I have come here today," said Gandhi.

The Leader of the opposition even headed to the kitchen and told them, "I don't eat a lot of spice".

The conversation even moved to the discrimination faced by the Dalits. "In my village, they (the upper caste village) won't even have water or a cup of tea at my home," said Patole.

"They respect my rank now, but not my caste," he said, adding, "People hide their caste and surname (due to the discrimination)."

Gandhi and Patole cooked 'harbharyanchi bhaji' - a vegetable of chickpea greens - 'tuvar dal' with brinjals and a dish made from spring onions for lunch. They paired the vegetables and lentil with Maharashtrian-style jowar bhakris (bread made with sorghum flour).

"Drawing on Patole and the Sanade family's personal experiences with caste and discrimination, we discussed the lack of awareness about Dalit cuisine and the importance of documenting this culture," the Congress leader posted on X Monday.

The Constitution gives Bahujans a share and rights, and we will protect that Constitution, he asserted.

But true inclusion and equality for all in the society will be possible only when every Indian strives with the spirit of brotherhood in their hearts, Gandhi said.