A group of distinguished citizens criticized the recent shirtless protests by Indian Youth Congress workers at the AI Impact Summit. They condemned the Congress party’s style of politics, stating it prioritized party interests over national image and prestige. Nearly 300 accomplished individuals, including former envoys, bureaucrats, judges, and armed force veterans, expressed strong disapproval of the protest’s manner in a statement titled “A National Disgrace at Bharat Mandapam.”
The citizens labeled the protests as “unpardonable” and accused them of bringing disgrace to the nation. They denounced the act as a premeditated sabotage rather than a spontaneous expression of dissent. Former officials like SP Vaid, Vijay Kumar Singhal, Sanjeev Tripathi, and BC Patel were among the signatories to the statement, emphasizing that the incident was shocking and anti-national in nature.
The statement criticized the timing of the protests, occurring during a high-level diplomatic and technological forum. It highlighted that such actions tarnished India’s reputation on the global stage and undermined the country’s success story. The citizens stressed that while political opposition is legitimate, it should not lead to public humiliation or disruption at international events.
The concerned citizens called the protests a “pathetic display of brainless politics” and emphasized that international forums should not be used for internal party squabbles. They concluded by stating that such actions do not harm a government but rather damage the nation’s image. Academicians and educationists also criticized the demonstrations, terming them as “profoundly regrettable and ill-conceived.”
