New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the Indian Youth Congress protest held during the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. He accused the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha of attempting to damage India’s reputation globally while opposing the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at a public gathering in Guwahati after inaugurating and announcing healthcare projects worth ₹2,092 crore, Shah alleged that the protest, which involved Youth Congress members staging a shirtless demonstration inside the venue, was meant to insult the Prime Minister and undermine India’s democratic institutions. He said the country would not accept actions that harm its global image.
Shah also mocked Gandhi over a recent protest outside Parliament, claiming that the Congress leader had staged demonstrations at the entrance while having tea and snacks. According to him, protests should be held in appropriate places and not in spaces that represent democratic institutions. He described Parliament as a sacred platform and said its steps should not be used for demonstrations.
Continuing his criticism, Shah alleged that such protests were encouraged by the opposition leader and claimed that the public would reject attempts to defame the country for political reasons.
The Home Minister also targeted the Congress party’s earlier governance in Assam, claiming that the state’s healthcare sector had been neglected for years. He alleged that during previous Congress administrations, funds meant for healthcare were misused and that the system had been left in poor condition.
Praising the current administration led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Shah said the state has made significant progress in strengthening medical infrastructure. He added that the government aims to build a healthcare system where patients no longer need to travel outside Assam for treatment.
During the event, Shah inaugurated the ₹675 crore Pragjyotishpur Medical College and Hospital and virtually launched cancer centres in Golaghat and Tinsukia. Foundation stones were also laid for new super speciality hospitals at Diphu, Jorhat and Barpeta medical colleges.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India is expected to soon announce the schedule for the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
