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A dramatic shirtless protest by Youth Congress workers at a major AI summit in Delhi has sparked outrage across political parties. Leaders from multiple sides condemned the disruption, calling it embarrassing for India on a global stage.
Opposition Leaders Criticise Protest at AI Summit
New Delhi: Opposition leaders across parties criticised the Youth Congress after a shirtless protest disrupted the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The demonstration reportedly took place when a group of Youth Congress workers entered the venue holding their shirts in their hands and raising slogans.
The protest occurred during the summit attended by technology leaders, policymakers and international delegates. The incident quickly triggered reactions from several political parties, many of whom said such actions were inappropriate during an international event.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, chief of the YSR Congress Party, criticised the protest and said political differences should not overshadow the country’s image at global forums.
He stated that political parties may disagree on several issues but should present a united front when the country hosts international gatherings.
Yesterday at the AI Summit, the Youth Congress made us all feel ashamed. Where is our politics heading! No one should ever demean our country. Whatever our political differences may be, we should always present a united face to the world.
— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) February 21, 2026
Akhilesh Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party, also criticised the protest, saying creating a disturbance at such an event was inappropriate.
He said that disrupting a global event attended by foreign delegates reflects poorly on the country, adding that political disagreements with the government remain an internal matter.
भाजपाई AI समिट से हुई जगहँसाई
दुनिया भर से मिली बुराई-ही-बुराई!अब भाजपा के लोग बहाना बनाएंगे कि ये हमारा मास्टर स्ट्रोक था, जिसमें हमने दुनिया भर को दिखा दिया कि हमारे यहाँ ट्रैफ़िक जाम, बेतरतीब पार्किंग, जन सुविधाओं व सुरक्षा का अभाव, चोरी, AQI और बदइंतज़ामी जैसी अनगिनत…
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 20, 2026
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati, head of the Bahujan Samaj Party, described the protest as inappropriate and said such behaviour during a high-profile international summit was a cause for concern.
Meanwhile, Nara Lokesh of the Telugu Desam Party said turning a prestigious global platform into a political spectacle diminishes India’s standing.
Responding to the criticism, the Indian National Congress said India is a democracy where people are entitled to express their views.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police arrested several Youth Congress leaders involved in the protest and sought their custody in court. Police said the protest may be part of a larger conspiracy and that further interrogation and examination of digital evidence are required as part of the investigation.
