The Indian Youth Congress faced backlash for staging a shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and defending it with a photo of Mahatma Gandhi on social media. Opposition leaders within the INDIA bloc, like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Samajwadi Party (SP), criticized the protest’s venue and impact on the nation’s international image.
Allies of the Congress expressed reservations, emphasizing the need for more appropriate ways to address grievances rather than disrupting international events. RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha highlighted the importance of responsible protest handling, stating that concerns could have been raised more effectively through proper channels.
The protest, which took place at New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam during the summit, led to strong reactions from the BJP-led NDA, accusing the Congress of tarnishing the country’s reputation. In response, the Youth Congress justified its actions on social media, drawing a connection to Mahatma Gandhi and invoking the legacy of nonviolent protest.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma criticized the protest as inappropriate and urged for more respectful ways to address discrepancies. BJP leaders condemned the comparison to Umar Khalid’s protests, accusing the Congress of attempting to defame India on a global platform.
BJP National Spokesperson Rohan Gupta called for an apology from the Congress, emphasizing the need for accountability over the protest’s timing and venue. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha accused the Congress of having an anti-national mentality and aiming to undermine India’s progress and reputation.
