Guwahati, Feb 21: Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia on Saturday condemned the Indian Youth Congress (IYC)’s ‘shirtless protest’ at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi as a “global embarrassment” for India, alleging it occurred on the “direct instruction” of Rahul Gandhi.

Saikia demanded a thorough inquiry into the incident and announced that youth wings of the BJP and its allies would stage protests across Assam to “expose the ugly face” of the Congress.Addressing a press conference, he described the protest as “a national shame” that revealed Congress’ “anti-national stance.”

On Friday, IYC workers staged the dramatic protest in an exhibition hall in the national capital, walking shirtless while holding t-shirts printed with slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal. Four individuals all IYC office-bearers have been arrested.IYC national president Uday Bhanu Chib stated the group opposed any “compromise with India’s interests” but not the summit itself.

Saikia claimed the “conspiracy was hatched” at the residence of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Sonia Gandhi, with Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi possibly present. “They can criticise Modi and the BJP, but demeaning India will not be tolerated,” the Lok Sabha MP asserted.

BJP and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) youth wings planned a protest that afternoon outside the state Congress headquarters at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati, with more demonstrations statewide.