Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sharply criticised the Congress over a shirtless protest staged by Youth Congress workers during the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, accusing the party of undermining the dignity of an international event and using a global platform for political confrontation.
Addressing a public rally in Meerut after inaugurating development projects worth about Rs 12,930 crore, the Prime Minister said the protest embarrassed the country in front of international delegates attending the summit. He alleged that the Congress had turned a global technology event into a venue for what he described as “dirty and naked politics,” arguing that such actions damaged India’s image abroad.
Modi further accused Congress leaders of attempting to defame the country rather than expressing regret over the incident. He claimed that leaders of the party were defending those involved in the protest instead of acknowledging the disruption caused at an event attended by global representatives. The Prime Minister also noted that several opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Bahujan Samaj Party, and the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, were not associated with the protest, suggesting the controversy was limited to the Congress.
The remarks followed a brief disruption at the India AI Impact Summit when a group of Indian Youth Congress members allegedly entered Hall No. 5 of Bharat Mandapam using QR-coded entry passes, removed their T-shirts, and raised slogans criticising the Prime Minister. The protesters displayed shirts bearing images of Modi and US President Donald Trump along with political slogans. Security personnel quickly intervened and removed them from the venue, though the incident briefly startled attendees.
Delhi Police detained several individuals in connection with the protest and took them to Tilak Marg police station for questioning. Officials said some protesters allegedly scuffled with security personnel during their removal, and legal proceedings were initiated. Authorities also reviewed and strengthened security arrangements at the venue following the incident.
The episode triggered wider political reactions, with BJP workers holding demonstrations in multiple cities and accusing the Congress of attempting to tarnish India’s global reputation. In response, Indian Youth Congress national president Uday Bhanu Chib defended the action, describing it as a democratic protest reflecting public concerns over unemployment and issues related to the India–US trade deal, and asserting that peaceful protest is a constitutional right.
During his Meerut address, Modi also highlighted infrastructure and development initiatives, stating that improved law and order and connectivity had strengthened investor confidence in western Uttar Pradesh. He pointed to the expansion of metro rail services across more than 25 Indian cities compared with five during earlier Congress-led governments, and reiterated Meerut’s political significance, noting that he had launched multiple Lok Sabha election campaigns from the city.
