The political row over the shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Friday escalated after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) described the incident as a “national shame” and accused the Congress of attempting to tarnish India’s image during a global event.
The protest, staged by members of the Indian Youth Congress inside Bharat Mandapam earlier today, had already led to detentions and tightened security.
Also Read: Youth Congress stages shirtless protest at AI Impact Summit, BJP hits back | VIDEO
BJP terms protest an attempt to ‘embarrass India’
In a post on X, the BJP wrote: “National Shame”
National Shame
At a time when India is hosting a prestigious global AI Summit, showcasing its innovation and leadership in technology, the Congress party chose disruption over dignity.
Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Congress workers went topless and created a ruckus at… pic.twitter.com/dUns0bxyyv
— BJP (@BJP4India) February 20, 2026
The party directly linked the protest to Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, accusing the Congress of undermining the country’s efforts to project itself as a global technology leader.
Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote on X: “This is a Global AI Summit not a BJP Election rally! Congress Party itself has become a ‘National Shame’ !!”
कांग्रेस खुद ही राष्ट्रीय शर्म का कारण बन रही है।
This is a Global AI Summit not a BJP Election rally! Congress Party itself has become a “National Shame” !! https://t.co/EHahUoLjcl
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 20, 2026
Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw suggested the success of the AI Summit might have spooked the Congress party. “They might have gotten scared as to how such a grand AI summit is being organised. This is the time when we should keep the summit above politics. The Congress only wants to create obstacles in everything; only God can save them,” Vaishnaws said.
Another Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh posted on X, “This reflects the Congress party’s deep frustration and sense of entitlement. Mr Rahul Gandhi, is undermining India’s global reputation just to attack the Government, your version of constructive opposition? As misleading claims are being pushed around recent trade agreements to stall India’s progress, your party members chose to march shirtless at a prestigious AI Summit, seemingly to project a negative image of 140 crore Indians before the world. Such tactics only highlight the absence of a forward-looking vision for the nation.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Congress party chose the path of disruption when the entire world was witnessing India’s growing global leadership in the fields of technology and innovation. He posted on X, “The shameful manner in which Youth Congress workers created a ruckus at the venue by indulging in inappropriate behaviour is not only unfortunate but also an attempt to tarnish India’s reputation on the international stage.”
UP CM Yogi Adityanath said in the state Assembly, “Today, the youth wing of the Congress party attempted a shameful incident at Bharat Mandapam. An attempt has been made to tarnish India’s image globally, and we condemn it. These people want to play games at the expense of the country. Where people from over 100 countries are participating, they are trying to spread anarchy by creating such chaos. Every Indian should condemn this incident. Strict action should be taken against those behind this.”
The Congress defended the action of its youth wing workers, with MP Congress president Jitendra Patwari saying, “The trade deal is anti-India. The way Trump has oppressed and slashed the throats of Indian farmers is anti-India. The way he mentioned Pakistan and 11 fighter jets yesterday is anti-India.”
What happened at the summit
According to officials, several Youth Congress workers removed their shirts and raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government over alleged “unemployment, inflation and the reported India-US trade deal”.
Some protesters stood topless in front of an India AI Summit board, clicking pictures and shouting slogans such as “PM is compromised” before security personnel intervened. They were swiftly removed from the venue to prevent disruption of the high-profile event attended by government officials, industry leaders and foreign delegates.
It remains unclear how the workers gained entry into the venue, which was hosting thousands of participants, including foreign delegates.
Detentions and security tightened
Police said legal action is being initiated against the demonstrators for violating security norms. The detained workers were taken to Tilak Marg Police Station, where they were questioned, and further proceedings were initiated.
In the wake of the protest, security at Bharat Mandapam was stepped up. Entry checks were made stricter and additional measures were put in place to prevent further disruption. Officials said the summit continued as scheduled after the protesters were removed.
Youth Congress defends its action
The youth wing of the opposition Indian National Congress said the protest was meant to highlight concerns that “corporate interests are being prioritised over national interests” and alleged that the government’s foreign policy stance had weakened.
The group also linked the demonstration to issues such as rising prices and joblessness, claiming that young people were increasingly frustrated.
The incident has drawn strong reactions across political lines, with the ruling party framing it as an attempt to damage India’s global standing, and the opposition describing it as a legitimate expression of dissent.