Congress faces heat from several quarters over ‘shirtless’ protest at AI summit

The Indian National Congress has come under intense criticism following a provocative protest by Youth Congress members at the India AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. On February 20, 2026, a group of Youth Congress activists staged a shirtless demonstration inside the summit venue, carrying T-shirts emblazoned with slogans opposing the government and the India-U.S. trade deal. This dramatic act aimed at drawing attention to their political grievances disrupted an event focused on AI innovation and international collaboration. In response, security personnel swiftly removed the protesters from the premises, and law enforcement subsequently arrested multiple activists, with five currently in police custody.

The protest triggered widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who publicly criticized the Congress party for leveraging a global technology summit as a platform for political theatrics. Modi’s remarks underscored concerns that such protests detract from the summit’s objective to foster dialogue on AI advancements and international cooperation. The incident has intensified political tensions ahead of upcoming elections, spotlighting how AI-related events are becoming entwined with broader political narratives in India.

Contextually, the India AI Impact Summit is a significant event that draws international attention to India’s AI strategies and ambitions. The Youth Congress protest at such a high-profile tech forum highlights the intersection of technology, politics, and public discourse, and raises questions about the impact of political activism within global technology conversations.