A political storm erupted at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi after members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a shirtless protest inside the venue at Bharat Mandapam. The demonstration, which included slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the India-US trade deal, drew sharp criticism from leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who termed the act inappropriate at an international forum.
Former Union Minister Smriti Irani took a swipe at the Congress party, using the Hindi proverb “khisiyani billi khamba noche” to suggest political frustration. In a post on X, she accused the opposition of converting a global summit into a platform for what she described as theatrics, adding that such actions reflected “political bankruptcy.”
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the protest was carried out at the behest of Rahul Gandhi, claiming it was designed to undermine India’s global standing. He criticised the Congress for targeting an event that has drawn participation and praise from international leaders and technology executives.
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According to Delhi Police, the incident occurred around 12:30 pm when a group of protestors who had registered online for the summit removed their outer garments near Hall Number 5 to display objectionable messages on their T-shirts. At least four individuals were detained and taken to Tilak Marg police station, with officials stating that legal action is underway and law and order will not be compromised.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also criticised the protest, alleging that it was an attempt to embarrass the country at a prestigious global event. The BJP leadership has collectively described the demonstration as an act that detracts from India’s technological progress and international engagement. Meanwhile, Congress leaders have yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations surrounding the protest.
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