Meerut, February 22 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly criticized the Congress party over its youth wing's recent bare-chested protest at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, stating that the demonstration showed that the "oldest party in the country has become ideologically bankrupt."
This came just days after members of the Youth Congress staged a protest inside New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam during the high-profile India-AI Impact Summit, raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government over alleged "unemployment, inflation, and the reported India-US trade deal."
Addressing a large public gathering in Meerut, PM Modi said, "Today, Indians are working hard to achieve the resolution of a 'Developed India'. However, there are some political parties in the country that are unable to accept the progress of the nation. Just a few days ago, India hosted the world's largest AI Summit... There has never been such a historic event in any developing country. I ask you, were you not proud of this AI Summit?"
"The entire nation was filled with pride. However, what did the Congress do? They turned a global event into a platform for their dirty and naked politics. Congress leaders reached the venue naked in front of the foreign guests," he said.
"I ask the Congress leaders, the nation knows that you are already naked, so why did you feel the need to take off your clothes? This shows that the oldest party in the country has become ideologically bankrupt," the Prime Minister added.
He accused the Congress party of "defaming" the nation, saying, "When someone gets married in a village, everyone helps the household so that the guests take along a good picture of the village. However, the Congress is focused on defaming its own country."
Recalling past incidents, PM Modi said, "Congress leaders hate Modi. These people want to dig my grave. They do not shy away from abusing my mother. They are against the BJP and NDA. Fine, if this is what your politics consists of, we will accept it too."
"However, they need to understand that the AI Summit was not the BJP's event, and no BJP leader was present there at that time. This was an event of the nation, the hardwork of the nation. However, Congress crossed all limits. Now the entire nation is criticising the Congress party's policies," he added.
The Prime Minister also criticized the Congress leaders for "praising" their youth wing's protest.
"Unfortunately, the leaders of the oldest party in the country are praising those who embarrassed the country instead of criticising them," he added.
PM Modi also thanked the allies of Congress in the INDIA bloc for criticizing the party's youth wing's bare-chested protest, saying, "One thing that gives me satisfaction is that all the allies of Congress have shown the courage to criticize the party over the Delhi incident. I express my gratitude to them for this."
