New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the 'shirtless' demonstration by the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) at the AI Summit in New Delhi, labeling it a 'crime' and 'sin' against the nation rather than a mere 'mistake' from young individuals.

He accused Rahul Gandhi, the Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition, and the Congress party of seeking chances to defame the country and instigating the IYC to engage in this disgraceful protest.

During a press conference, Union Minister Rijiju expressed that the nation anticipated an apology from Congress following the uproar at the AI Summit, yet their leaders attempted to rationalize the 'shirtless' protest as an expression of the youth's frustration.

'There is nothing more dishonorable than directing the youth's dissatisfaction to tarnish the nation's reputation on a global platform,' the Union Minister stated, urging the Congress to abandon its anti-national stance promptly.

'National interests should take precedence over trivial politics.' He emphasized that when the country represents itself globally, including at the UN, it should present a united front.

Rijiju also criticized Congress and Rahul Gandhi for their failure to recognize the nation's advancements, particularly in the digital sphere. 'They seem disheartened by the nation's progress', he remarked. 'Rahul Gandhi travels to Europe and South America to undermine the country.'

'His collusion with anti-India groups is evident through his calls for foreign intervention in our internal affairs,' Rijiju added.

He mentioned that efforts have been made to advise senior Congress leaders to encourage Rahul Gandhi to abandon his anti-national stance, but these attempts have been unsuccessful.

'Rahul Gandhi's anti-national behavior is becoming increasingly concerning, which inspired the Youth Congress workers to stage this disgraceful protest at the AI Summit on Friday,' he added.

Rijiju pointed out that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been in opposition for 60 years without ever uttering an anti-national statement or engaging in actions detrimental to the country's interests.

He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi consistently advises party members to ensure that 'none of our actions negatively impact the country.'

'In contrast, Congress leaders and their members seem to conspire around the clock to damage the country's image.' He remarked that the protest at the AI Summit has angered the populace, who are condemning the Congress demonstration in various forms, including street protests and social media.

Four members of the Indian Youth Congress were detained following the 'shirtless' protest at the Summit on Friday.

Congress leader Gurdeep Singh Sappal defended the protesters by stating that they are 'young men who can become overly excited and angered.'

'The protesters' frustration was expressed in their agitation against the destruction of their futures and careers,' Sappal claimed, linking the demonstration at the AI Summit to the allegedly 'unfavorable' India-US trade agreement.