Kerala MP Takes One-Year Membership Of ‘Muhammad’ Deepak's Gym, Here's Why

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 22:32 IST

Brittas said Deepak had been facing significant financial losses because of his stand, with a noticeable drop in footfall at the gym he operates.

Kerala Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas took a one-year membership at the gym of ‘Muhammed’ Deepak in Kotdwar against whom a police case was registered for stopping Bajrang Dal activists who had demanded that a shop owned by a Muslim change its name.

The move came after Deepak’s gym faced a steep fall in members following a backlash over his intervention in defending a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper from harassment, which drew both support and hostility locally.

Brittas expressed solidarity with Deepak Kumar by visiting his home in Uttarakhand. He said Deepak was a role model for the country and that his actions sent a strong message of love and brotherhood in the face of divisive politics. Brittas also assured him of legal and political support and met with his family members.

Brittas said Deepak had been facing significant financial losses because of his stand, with a noticeable drop in footfall at the gym he operates. To counter calls for a boycott and show support, the MP visited the gym and took a one-year membership costing Rs 10,000.

He added that there were attempts to socially boycott Deepak and disrupt his livelihood, and stressed that people like him were essential for the country to defeat hateful ideologies.

The controversy began after Bajrang Dal activists demanded that a 30-year-old clothing shop run by a Muslim tailor, ‘Baba School Dress’, in Kotdwar town of Pauri Garhwal district, change its name. The protesters claimed that the word ‘Baba’ was associated with the name of a local temple.

Tensions escalated on Republic Day when the group created a ruckus outside the shop, prompting intervention by Deepak, a local resident. A video of Deepak replying “Mera naam Muhammad Deepak" when the protesters asked his name later went viral on social media.

News india Kerala MP Takes One-Year Membership Of ‘Muhammad’ Deepak's Gym, Here's Why

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