The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday slammed the Congress Party after a group of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers saged a 'shirtless' protest at an exhibition hall of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The protesters raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and were soon whisked away by the security personnel.
Around 10 people have been detained for protesting, reported PTI, quoting a senior Delhi Police official.
The officer added that the IYC workers were removed immediately and "taken to Tilak Marg police station. “No one will be allowed to breach the law and order situation,” the official added.
Additional CP Devesh Kumar Mahla told ANI that the incident took place at around 12:30 PM on the last day of the Summit.
Also Read: India AI Impact Summit: Galgotias University's Booth Was Bigger Than Space Given To 4 IITs Combined
"They registered online and entered through QR code scanning. They were wearing sweaters and jackets on top and a T-shirt underneath. Near Hall 5, they removed their sweaters and jackets. They protested while waving their T-shirts. We are taking appropriate legal action against them," Mahla said.
#WATCH | Delhi: On the protest by Indian Youth Congress workers, Additional CP Devesh Kumar Mahla says, "The incident occurred around 12:30 PM. They registered online and entered through QR code scanning. They were wearing sweaters and jackets on top and a T-shirt underneath.… https://t.co/eygMgM5aHs pic.twitter.com/vZyZE2xhZv
— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2026
The protest lasted a few minutes before they were removed from the hall. Some of the protestors have been identified as Krishna Hari, Youth Congress national secretary; Kundan Yadav, Bihar Youth Congress state secretary; Ajay Kumar, UP Youth Congress vice president, and Narasimha Yadav, Youth Congress national coordinator, according to an NDTV report.
BJP Slams Congress For Tarnishing Reputation of India
Slamming the Opposition party, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X, "While the world watched India host the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and witnessed our growing global leadership in technology and innovation, the Congress chose disruption over contribution."
He added, "The unruly conduct of Youth Congress workers at the venue was deeply unfortunate and reflects a disregard for the dignity of an event of international significance. Such actions risk undermining India's image at a time when the nation is being recognised globally for its progress. I strongly condemn this behaviour."
While the world watched India host the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and witnessed our growing global leadership in technology and innovation, the Congress chose disruption over contribution.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 20, 2026
The unruly conduct of Youth Congress workers at the venue was deeply…
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said this was "Congress arrogance and frustration on display".
"So, Mr Rahul Gandhi, humiliating India to target the Government is your idea of opposition! While you want to CHOKE India's development by peddling lies about the recent trade deals, your foot soldiers are marching shirtless at the prestigious AI Summit, attempting to embarrass 140 crore Indians globally. This disruption strategy only exposes your and your party's lack of vision for India," he wrote on X.
Also Read: AI Could Disrupt 40% Of Jobs Globally, Poses Key Test For India: IMF Chief
BJP's Amit Malviya even shared a video of the protest by Congress workers on social media.
"Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Congress workers went topless and created a ruckus at the venue, an act clearly designed to embarrass India on the world stage," he wrote.
National Shame
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 20, 2026
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/N4LoYA6sOV
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 kick-started on Feb. 16 and comes to an end on Friday, Feb. 20. Several heads of state, global AI leaders, heads of global tech giants, and philanthropists have taken part in the five-day event, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on Thursday, in the presence of several world leaders.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
