Intro: The PM says the protest showed that the Congress had become “ideologically bankrupt”
Meerut
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly attacked the Congress party over its youth wing’s shirtless protest during the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Addressing a public rally in Meerut, Modi said the protest showed that the Congress had become “ideologically bankrupt”. He said India had proudly hosted one of the biggest AI summits in the world and that it was a moment of honour for the country. However, he alleged that Congress leaders turned the global event into a stage for political drama.
The Prime Minister accused the party of insulting the nation in front of foreign guests and said the summit was not a BJP event but a national programme showcasing India’s progress. He added that while political rivalry is common, defaming the country on an international platform was unacceptable.
Modi also criticised senior Congress leaders for supporting the protest instead of condemning it. At the same time, he thanked allies of the INDIA bloc for speaking out against the incident, saying he appreciated their courage in criticising Congress over the matter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised the Congress over disruptions during the Budget Session of Parliament, saying such actions reflect frustration and political immaturity. Addressing a large gathering in Meerut, he referred to the February 4 incident when women Congress MPs surrounded his seat in the Lok Sabha as he prepared to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.
He said one cannot become Prime Minister by attempting to “occupy” the chair, adding that leadership comes from winning people’s trust. Modi accused Congress of repeatedly stalling Parliament and preventing even its allies from speaking, claiming this harms democratic functioning.
The Prime Minister also condemned the Youth Congress for its shirtless protest at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. He said the act embarrassed the country during an important global event and showed that the party had become “ideologically bankrupt.”
Modi thanked several opposition allies for criticising the protest and urged the media not to shield Congress by generalising its actions as those of the entire Opposition.
