Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party for a recent shirtless protest by its youth wing at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, calling it a sign of the party’s ideological bankruptcy. The protest took place during the summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where Youth Congress members raised slogans against PM Modi and the Central government regarding issues like unemployment, inflation, and the reported India-US trade deal.
Speaking at a gathering in Meerut, PM Modi highlighted the country’s progress towards a developed India and criticized political parties unable to appreciate this advancement. He condemned Congress for politicizing the AI Summit, accusing its leaders of turning a global event into a platform for inappropriate actions in front of foreign guests.
PM Modi accused Congress of tarnishing the nation’s image and emphasized the importance of showcasing a positive image internationally. He also addressed past animosities from Congress leaders towards him and the BJP, asserting that the AI Summit was a national event and not affiliated with any political party.
The Prime Minister expressed disappointment at Congress leaders’ support for the controversial protest, stating that instead of condemning the behavior, they were praising it. He appreciated the allies of Congress within the INDIA bloc for speaking out against the youth wing’s actions, emphasizing the importance of criticism for such conduct.
