IYC workers protest seeking PM Modi's answer over Vyapam scam, Lalit row

New Delhi, Aug 13: Lending a rather dramatic touch to their protests against the Centre, Youth Congress workers on Thursday had their heads shaven and nails cut in the open, even as they threatened to intensify the stir if BJP ministers involved in Lalit Modi row and Vyapam scam do not resign.

During their rally held here to convey their demands, Indian National Youth Congress (IYC) members collected hair and nail samples of 51 protesters.

IYC President Amarinder Singh Raja warned of similar protests across the country if External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Rajashthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan "don't resign".

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a statement on DNA at Bihar. He should then test DNA of youth of the nation from the samples sent to him and analyse their demands," Raja said.

The 51 activists shaved their heads near the headquarters of the party's youth wing at Raisina Road here. Their march towards the Parliament was halted by the police.

51 activists shaved their heads near the headquarters of the party's youth wing

The protesters carried placard and shouted slogans like "Sushma resign karo", "Modi chuppi todo", "Yuvao ka DNA check karo" during the march. Delhi Unit chief of IYC, Amit Mallik said the protest aimed at impelling Modi to break his "silence" over the alleged scams.

"We have taken this unique route so as to wake the Prime Minister from his slumber. We will go for more aggressive measures if our demands are not met," IYC spokesperson Amrish Pandey said.

The party will "not budge" from its demands notwithstanding government attempts to "divert" the issue, he said. Prominent among those present at the protest were IYC National Secretary Sitaram Lamba.

PTI