Rahul Gandhi urges party workers not to celebrate his birthday amid Agnipath protests

Rahul Gandhi, in his appeal, said "we are concerned about the situation in the country. Crores of youth feel sad. We should share their pain and stand with them."

Meanwhile, Congress leaders will sit on a protest at the Jantar Mantar on Sunday against the Government's proposed Agnipath recruitment scheme.

Party leaders will be protesting at the venue from 10 am in the morning.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday appealed to the youth protesting against the Agnipath scheme to protest peacefully and in a non-violent manner, adding that Congress is supporting them.

The message of the Congress President, who is currently admitted at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital of Delhi due to Covid-related complications, was issued by Congress' media department head Jairam Ramesh.

"My dear young friends, you wish to join the army and to serve the nation. I can understand the pain of recruitments not happening from the last three years even as lakhs of posts are vacant in the Army," Sonia Gandhi said in a message in Hindi.

"I am sad that the government has declared the new recruitment scheme ignoring the voice of the youth, which is totally directionless. Along with you, several ex-servicemen and defence experts have also questioned it."

She said the Indian National Congress supports the youth and appealed to them to adopt the path of non-violence.

"Indian National Congress is standing with you firmly to roll back this scheme, we promise that we will struggle to get this scheme rolled back and protect your interests. Like a true patriot, we will walk on the path of truth, non-violence, patience and peace, and raise your voice," she said.

"I request you to protest peacefully and in a non-violent manner for your legitimate demands. Indian National Congress is with you," she added.

Protests have erupted across the country since the government announced the new recruitment scheme for the forces - Agnipath, under which youth would be recruited for four years as Agniveers. The forces will absorb 25 per cent of the Agniveers after four years.