PM Modi Slams Congress' 'Dirty Politics' Over AI Summit Protest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the Indian Youth Congress's shirtless protest at the recent India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, labeling it as 'dirty politics' that undermined a global event. Four protesters were arrested and remanded to police custody, with a Delhi court criticizing the act for imperiling India's diplomatic image. The incident sparked widespread political backlash.
Key Highlights
- PM Modi slammed Congress' shirtless protest at India AI Impact Summit.
- Youth Congress workers protested over 'compromised PM' and India-US trade deal.
- Delhi court termed protest 'blatant assault on public order', imperiling diplomatic image.
- Four Indian Youth Congress workers were arrested and remanded to five-day police custody.
- The protest drew widespread condemnation from political leaders and academics.
- Police are investigating a 'larger conspiracy' and funding behind the demonstration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi vehemently criticized the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) for staging a 'shirtless' protest during the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, labeling it as 'dirty politics' that disgraced a significant global event. The incident, which occurred on February 20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, involved approximately ten IYC workers who removed their shirts to display T-shirts with provocative slogans such as 'PM is compromised,' 'India-US Trade Deal Compromised,' and 'Epstein Files,' while chanting anti-government slogans.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was a high-profile international gathering, marking the first major global Artificial Intelligence summit hosted in the Global South, with participation from delegates, dignitaries, and leaders from 118 countries, including over 20 Heads of Government. The summit aimed to foster global collaboration on AI for inclusive growth and societal development, culminating in a strong global endorsement of India's Responsible AI vision.
Following the protest, security personnel swiftly intervened, leading to the arrest of four IYC workers: Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav. On February 21, 2026, a Delhi court, presided over by Judicial Magistrate Ravi of the Patiala House Courts, remanded these four individuals to five-day police custody. The court made scathing observations, describing the protest as a 'blatant assault on public order' that 'imperilled India's diplomatic image before foreign stakeholders.' The court highlighted the premeditated nature of the intrusion into the high-security venue, the use of provocative slogans, the obstruction of public servants, and alleged physical assaults on police personnel. It rejected the bail petition, citing concerns about the accused potentially absconding and interfering with evidence, and noted that the conduct transcended legitimate dissent, transforming into an attack on public order.
The Delhi Police further informed the court that a 'larger conspiracy' might be involved, suggesting the protest was inspired by Nepal's 'violent Gen Z movement' and required thorough investigation into its funding and logistics, including the printing of the protest T-shirts.
Prime Minister Modi, in his strong condemnation on February 22, 2026, accused the Congress of engaging in 'gandi aur nangi rajneeti' (dirty and naked politics), stating that the party 'used a global event for dirty politics.' He emphasized that the protest undermined a national program focused on technological progress and innovation. Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the protest showcased Congress's 'arrogance and frustration,' attempting to 'embarrass 140 crore Indians globally.'
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) echoed these sentiments, with spokesperson Nalin Kohli asserting, 'For the Congress, AI means anti-India,' and calling the protesters 'characterless.' BJP National President J.P. Nadda termed the disruption an act aligning with 'Urban Naxalism,' damaging India's reputation on a global platform. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and BSP chief Mayawati also condemned the protest, stressing the inappropriate nature of the act at an international forum.
In response, the Indian Youth Congress defended its actions, with national president Uday Bhanu Chib stating that 'peaceful protest is our right in a democracy.' The IYC clarified that their protest was not against the AI Summit itself but against a 'compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country' and any perceived 'compromise with India's interests.' However, over a hundred prominent academics also issued a joint statement, criticizing the IYC protest as a 'serious lack of judgment.'
The incident has ignited a nationwide political debate, highlighting tensions between the ruling party and the opposition over methods of dissent, especially on international platforms. The court's stern remarks and the ongoing police investigation into a broader conspiracy underscore the gravity with which the authorities view the protest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the 'shirtless protest' about?
The 'shirtless protest' was staged by members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) at the India AI Impact Summit. They removed their shirts to reveal T-shirts with slogans criticizing Prime Minister Modi and the India-US trade deal, alleging a 'compromised PM' and expressing dissent over perceived compromises to national interests.
What was PM Modi's reaction to the protest?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the protest, calling it 'dirty politics' and 'gandi aur nangi rajneeti' (dirty and naked politics). He accused the Congress of undermining a global event and embarrassing India on an international platform.
What were the legal consequences for the protesters?
Four Indian Youth Congress workers were arrested and subsequently remanded to five-day police custody by a Delhi court. The court termed the protest a 'blatant assault on public order' and noted that it 'imperilled India's diplomatic image,' rejecting their bail plea.
What was the India AI Impact Summit 2026?
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was a major international event hosted by India at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. It was envisioned as the first global AI summit in the Global South, bringing together innovators, industry leaders, and international delegates to discuss responsible and inclusive AI development.
How did other political parties and academics react?
The protest drew widespread condemnation from the BJP, with leaders like J.P. Nadda and other ministers accusing Congress of 'anti-India' sentiment and damaging the country's reputation. Other political figures like Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and BSP chief Mayawati also criticized the act. Additionally, over a hundred prominent academics issued a joint statement calling the protest a 'serious lack of judgment.'
