‘Not the right place to protest’: Youth Congress’ shirtless performance at AI summit criticized india news

Last updated:February 20, 2026, 15:26 IST

An eyewitness at the AI ​​Impact Summit criticized the Indian Youth Congress’s protest inside the Bharat Mandapam, saying that the demonstration at the international AI event has damaged India’s image.

A protest by Indian Youth Congress (IYC) activists inside the Bharat Mandapam has sparked anger, with witnesses saying the demonstration at a global technology event projected a negative image of the country and disrupted the proceedings organized to showcase India’s artificial intelligence ambitions.

Sumit Patni, who was present at the venue as a visitor, said the protest was inappropriate given the international nature of the summit and the presence of foreign delegates, industry leaders and policy makers.

He said, “I think this is not the right place for such protests. It tarnishes the image of the country. This is not the place for protests, where India is organizing an international event and talking about AI. Such protests should not happen.”

He said the incident came to light suddenly when visitors were busy at the exhibition booths.

He said, “I was standing at a booth when I heard slogans being raised by some people against the honorable Prime Minister. We understood that their intention of the protest was to create a ruckus.”

Another eyewitness, who identified herself as Sheetal, said, “This is not a platform to protest. AI is for India and its future. They should not have protested here. They need to understand the dignity of the platform.”

Congress protests at AI Impact Summit venue

A group of Indian Youth Congress workers held a brief protest inside an exhibition hall at the Bharat Mandapam during the AI ​​Impact Summit, raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi before being quickly removed by security personnel.

The police detained about 10 protesters and took them to Tilak Marg police station.

Officials said the protesters entered Hall No. 5 and displayed white T-shirts bearing images of Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans like “India-US trade deal,” “Epstein files,” and “PM is compromised,” triggering a ruckus inside the venue.

The protest lasted only a few minutes, but heated exchanges broke out between some attendees and protesters, surprising visitors gathered for the high-profile international event.

A senior police officer told news agency PTI that the authorities took immediate action and ensured that law and order was maintained, adding that any breach of security would not be tolerated.

As the protest drew condemnation, the youth wing later said that the purpose of the protest was to highlight concerns that the Prime Minister had been “compromised” and alleged that national interests were being undermined at the summit.

The Indian Youth Congress claimed in statements shared on social media that the demonstration was to protest issues including unemployment, inflation and concerns over alleged India-US trade engagement.

The protesters also accused the government of prioritizing corporate interests over national interests.

The situation was brought under control after the intervention of security personnel and escorting the protesters out of the hall to prevent disruption at the summit, which is being attended by global AI leaders, academicians, policymakers and technology executives.

Political reactions and criticism

There were sharp political reactions to this protest.

BJP leaders criticized the demonstration, calling it an attempt to disrupt an international event showcasing India’s technological progress.

Party spokespersons alleged that the protests undermined national achievements and demanded an apology from the Congress party.

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh criticized the protest, saying that while the world was watching India demonstrate its growing leadership in technology and innovation, the Congress party chose disruption rather than “bringing up the honor of the country”.

In a post on Twitter, Singh described the actions of the Youth Congress workers as “shameful”, alleging that the ruckus and inappropriate behavior at the venue was an attempt to tarnish India’s reputation on the international stage.

He said he condemned the act and accused the Congress party of prioritizing political gains over national interest.

Singh further said that whenever India moves forward on the global stage, the Congress Party puts partisan politics above the country’s reputation and honour, adding that the people of India understand who is committed to strengthening the country and who repeatedly attempts to damage its image.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya, in a post on Twitter, described the incident as a “national shame” and accused the Congress of trying to embarrass the country during a major global event.

“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,” Malviya said.

He further alleged that under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Congress workers “went topless and created ruckus at the venue,” adding that such conduct was meant to embarrass India on the world stage.

He said, “When the country is attempting to establish itself as a global technology superpower, such conduct only serves the interests of those who want to see India falter. Political opposition is a democratic right, but damaging India’s global image is not. India deserves better than this.”

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also condemned the protest, calling it an example of “Congress’s arrogance and desperation”.

In a post on Twitter, Goyal said, “This is a display of arrogance and desperation by the Congress! So, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, your idea of ​​protest is to humiliate India by targeting the government!”

He further alleged that while the Congress leadership was “spreading lies about recent trade deals,” its workers were “marching shirtless at the prestigious AI summit, attempting to embarrass 140 crore Indians globally.”

“This disruption strategy only highlights your and your party’s lack of vision for India,” the minister said.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also attacked the Congress leadership over the protests, linking the conduct of the protesters to the tone set by party leaders.

In a post on

“Leadership sets the standards and they reflect exactly that,” he said.

Congress leaders had earlier criticized the organization of the summit.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi had described the event as a “disorganized PR spectacle”, while Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged mismanagement and lack of infrastructure for visitors and exhibitors.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Kheda also targeted the government over organizing the summit.

Security was tightened after the incident

Police officials said security inside the Bharat Mandapam has been tightened after the incident.

Authorities were initiating legal action against those detained for allegedly violating security norms at the sensitive venue hosting an international gathering.

Officials said peaceful protest is a democratic right, but disruption of events held globally requires immediate intervention to maintain order and ensure the safety of participants.

Despite the brief interruption, the summit proceedings continued as scheduled.

The AI ​​Impact Summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week and attended by heads of state, global technology companies, researchers and policymakers, is establishing itself as a premier platform to discuss artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

read more