Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly criticised Congress over its youth wing's recent shirtless protest during the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, calling it a sign that the "oldest party of the country has become ideologically bankrupt."
The protest, carried out inside New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, involved Youth Congress members raising slogans against the Prime Minister and the central government over alleged unemployment, inflation, and the 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 Viksit Bharat. However, there are some political parties that cannot digest the country's progress. Just a few days ago, India hosted the world's largest AI Summit. There hasn't been such a historic event in any developing country. Were you not proud of this AI Summit?"
He added, "The entire nation was filled with pride. However, what did 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 foreign guests. The nation knows you are already naked, so why take off your clothes? This shows that the oldest party of the country has become ideologically bankrupt."
The Prime Minister accused Congress of defaming the nation, saying, "When someone gets married in a village, everyone helps the household to make the event proud. However, Congress focuses on defaming its own country." He recalled past incidents, stating, "Congress leaders hate Modi. 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. But they must understand that the AI Summit was a national event, not a BJP event. Congress crossed all limits. Now the entire nation is criticising them."
PM Modi also slammed Congress leaders for praising the protest instead of condemning it. He thanked the party's allies in the INDIA bloc for openly criticising the incident, saying, "I express my gratitude to them for showing the courage to criticise Congress over this Delhi incident."
Later in Meerut, PM Modi inaugurated development projects worth around Rs 12,930 crore, including the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat train at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station, highlighting the government's focus on regional connectivity and urban mobility in the NCR.
Addressing the public, he said, "In this divine land of Baba Augharnath and revolutionary Meerut, the resolution of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Uttar Pradesh is getting a new energy boost. Metro for internal city connectivity and Namo Bharat train for the twin cities' vision—today's projects reflect this progress."
He credited the BJP's "double-engine government" for the timely completion of projects, stating, "The party's work culture ensures schemes are completed without disruption, unlike earlier times. You allowed me to lay the foundation stones recently, and today I inaugurate them."
Recalling his interaction with passengers, he said, "Sisters and daughters told me that earlier the route felt unsafe at night. Now law and order has improved, and people can travel safely. The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail has also become a symbol of Nari Shakti, with women taking leading roles as train operators and station control staff."
PM Modi also contrasted BJP's focus on development with the opposition's "toxic politics," saying, "Even in the past, I told SP, BSP, and Congress to compete on development issues, but they continued toxic politics. Under Congress rule, only five cities had metro connectivity. Today, over 25 cities are connected, making India the third-largest metro network globally. We have provided high-speed, traffic-free travel while moving towards Aatmabirbharta, stopping reliance on foreign imports."
(With inputs from IANS)
