'Shamelessness': Modi Attacks Congress Over Shirtless AI Summit Protest In New Delhi

The article reports Prime Minister Modi's criticism of Congress for a shirtless protest during the India AI Impact Summit, framing the incident as a national matter and highlighting India's role in AI. It covers the arrests of Indian Youth Congress members and the broader political implications.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Congress over its 'shirtless’ protest at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, accusing the party of lowering the tone of an international gathering. Addressing a rally in Meerut, PM Modi alleged that Congress leaders misused a global technology platform for what was described as "dirty and naked politics".

PM Modi told the audience that the Congress disrupted a moment of national pride linked to India’s role in artificial intelligence. He argued that the protest at Bharat Mandapam embarrassed the country before visiting dignitaries. Modi framed the incident as part of a wider pattern, where some opposition parties allegedly struggle to accept India’s achievements.

AI Summit shirtless protest and PM Modi’s sharp attack on Congress

Referring directly to the incident, Modi said, "I ask the Congress people, the country knows that you are already naked, then why did you feel the need to take off your clothes?" Modi further added, "The Congress turned a global event for India into a platform for its dirty and naked politics. Congress leaders reached the venue naked in front of the foreign guests," accusing the party of crossing limits of political protest.

Modi highlighted the international scale of the India AI Impact Summit, describing it as a major technology gathering. He said, "There are some political parties within the country who cannot digest India's success. You just witnessed the world's largest AI conference in India. Delegates from over 80 countries came to Delhi. Heads of state from nearly 20 countries came to India," underlining the importance of the meet.

AI Summit shirtless protest framed as national, not party, issue

Addressing the Meerut crowd, Modi asked, "I want to ask the people of Meerut: Were you proud of this AI conference? The entire country was filled with pride." The Prime Minister argued that such a large global summit strengthened India’s international standing, and that political disruptions at the venue hurt this broader national image.

PM Modi insisted that the AI gathering should not be seen as a Bharatiya Janata Party programme. Modi said, "Congress should have remembered that the AI Global Summit was not a BJP event, and no BJP leader was present at that time. This was a national work. A work for the nation, but Congress broke the decorum that day," calling the protest inappropriate for the setting.

Continuing the attack, Modi claimed that public opinion was turning against the Congress over the incident. "This corrupt policy of Congress is being condemned by the entire country," he said. He also questioned the conduct of other opposition parties, stating, "Look at what happened in Delhi. Did the TMC, DMK, BSP or National Conference commit a sin? No, they did not commit a sin. Only the Congress leaders are hell-bent on ruining the country," arguing that others had not joined the action.

AI Summit shirtless protest details and arrests of Youth Congress workers

The incident at the AI Summit took place on Friday inside Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, when Indian Youth Congress workers entered Hall No. 5 during the ongoing programme. They wore or carried white T-shirts printed with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump. Slogans such as "India-US Trade Deal", "Epstein Files", and "PM is compromised" were displayed on the T-shirts.

The protesters reportedly removed their shirts inside the hall and raised slogans, including "PM is Compromised", at the high-security venue. Security officials moved to control the situation as the demonstration caused disruption during the summit. The Indian Youth Congress later stated on X that its members were opposing a "compromised prime minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit". The post read, "Indian Youth Congress workers raised their voice and protested against the compromised prime minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit," explaining the group’s position.

Delhi Police detained four Indian Youth Congress functionaries after the protest and produced them in court. Those arrested were identified as Krishna Hari, National Secretary, Indian Youth Congress; Kundan Yadav, Bihar State Secretary, Indian Youth Congress; Ajay Kumar, Uttar Pradesh State Vice President, Indian Youth Congress; and Narasimha Yadav, National Coordinator, Indian Youth Congress, who allegedly organised the action. Their bail pleas were rejected, and all four were sent to five days of police custody for further investigation.

During the Meerut rally, Modi connected the AI Summit controversy with electoral politics, suggesting Congress sought attention without public backing. Modi remarked, "If you want to sit on the Prime Minister's chair, you must first win over the people." He framed democratic support as the only route to national leadership, contrasting it with high-profile protests at official events.

AI Summit shirtless protest overshadowed by Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat launch

Earlier the same day, PM Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat Train from Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station. Modi travelled by Metro from the station to Meerut South, signalling the start of new urban transport services. Officials expect the projects to ease daily travel and support economic growth across the Meerut region.

After the launch, Modi scheduled the inauguration and dedication of several development projects worth about ₹12,930 crore in Meerut. These initiatives, combined with the new transit links, were presented as steps to improve infrastructure and connectivity in western Uttar Pradesh. The political row over the AI Summit protest, however, remained a central theme of Modi’s address to the public gathering.