Farmers’ outfits condemn IYC protest at AI Summit, demand Rahul’s apology

Farmers’ organizations have strongly condemned the Indian Youth Congress’s (IYC) shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi, describing the act as damaging to India’s international image. The protest, staged inside the Bharat Mandapam exhibition hall, involved IYC workers walking shirtless while holding T-shirts with slogans opposing the government and the India-US trade deal. This dramatic demonstration drew swift security intervention and led to multiple arrests.

The farmers’ groups have called for an apology from Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress, holding him responsible for the disruptive incident. They criticized the protest for disrespecting an event aimed at showcasing India’s advancements in artificial intelligence to global delegates, thereby undermining the country’s reputation as an emergent technology hub. The farmers emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum in international forums to attract investment and technology partnerships vital for India’s growth.

This incident has also attracted criticism from various political and academic circles, who have labeled the protest inappropriate for the solemn occasion focused on AI innovation and strategic collaboration. Some opposition leaders expressed embarrassment over the protest, noting that it occurred even as Congress’s own state leaders were participating in the summit. The AI Impact Summit is a key platform that brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and global experts to discuss AI’s role in economic development. The IYC protest, by distracting from this agenda, risked overshadowing India’s efforts to position itself as a leader in AI technology on the world stage.