Following arrests made post the Youth Congress’ shirtless protest in New Delhi during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Minister Priyank Kharge criticized the Centre, claiming the government’s failure in hosting an international event had been exposed, leading to victimization of those involved. Delhi Police detained Indian Youth Congress (IYC) National President Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with the shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam during the summit. Kharge emphasized that protesting is not illegal, though there might have been better ways to express dissent.
Kharge highlighted instances of protests in Karnataka, mentioning demonstrations with black flags during the Chief Minister’s functions and Rahul Gandhi’s visits when the BJP was in power. He accused the BJP of using diversion tactics, citing Nitin Gadkari’s protest during the Commonwealth Games as an example. Kharge criticized the BJP’s failure to showcase India’s technological leadership at the India AI Summit, labeling the event as mismanaged and a distraction strategy by the ruling party.
In response to reports of 38 Congress MLAs from Karnataka writing to the party’s High Command, Minister Priyank Kharge defended aspirations and ambition but stressed the importance of presenting them appropriately. He encouraged individuals with aspirations to approach the AICC High Command or the Congress President from Karnataka collectively. Kharge emphasized the significance of effective communication and discouraged the writing of letters expressing ambitions individually.
