JAMMU, Feb 21: The BJYM protest in Jammu erupted on Saturday as members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha staged a demonstration against a “shirtless protest” carried out by Indian Youth Congress workers during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
Led by J&K BJYM president Arun Prabhat, party activists assembled at Kachi Chawni Chowk, raising slogans against the Congress leadership. Protesters burnt an effigy of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and sought a public apology, alleging that the act had damaged the country’s image before an international audience.
The controversy stems from an incident at the summit venue where Youth Congress members removed their shirts and displayed T-shirts bearing slogans critical of the government and the India–US trade agreement. Security personnel intervened and escorted the demonstrators out of the exhibition hall. Subsequently, four Youth Congress leaders were taken into custody and a case was registered.
Addressing supporters, Prabhat alleged that the disruption embarrassed the nation at a global forum attended by foreign delegates. He further accused the Congress leadership of repeatedly undermining India’s reputation abroad and termed the protest an affront to national dignity.
The demonstration briefly affected vehicular movement along the busy road stretch before police restored normal traffic.