India, Feb. 24 -- Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, on Monday said the Congress tarnished the nation's image and also weakened itself through the 'shirtless' protest at the recent AI summit in Delhi. Athawale, the Republican Party of India (A) chief, is on a two-day visit to Bihar. He addressed a seminar in Bodh Gaya on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters in Patna, Athawale said, "The condition of the Congress, which had been in power for 60-70 years, has become pitiable. If Rahul Gandhi and the Youth Congress keep doing such things, I think their party will be reduced to nothing."

He claimed that Congress is being criticised all over the country for the protest it held at the summit venue. "Topmost ...