Modi Criticises Congress Following Controversial Protest at AI Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made sharp criticisms of the Congress party during a public address in Meerut on February 22, 2026. His comments came in the wake of a controversial protest by the Indian Youth Congress at the AI Impact Summit, where several members participated in a shirtless demonstration, expressing their dissent against Modi's government and policies.

At the rally, Prime Minister Modi characterised the protest as emblematic of ‘nangi rajneeti’ (naked politics), labelling it as a sign of the Congress party's ideological bankruptcy. He stated that the protest not only diminished the dignity of an international event but also tarnished India's image. "Everybody knows you are naked. You don’t need to take off clothes," Modi remarked, referring to the members' actions in front of international business leaders.

The Prime Minister made a clear distinction between the Congress party and other opposition groups, asserting that the party stood alone in its actions. He urged the media to avoid generalising his critique to encompass the entire opposition, suggesting that alliances such as the Trinamool Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam were not involved in the protest. He expressed gratitude to those who had spoken against the Congress's actions.

In his remarks, Modi highlighted that while the Congress blamed him for their failures, it was the party itself that had abandoned its core principles. He further questioned their motives in timing their protests and targeting national events. “One has to win hearts to become PM. One can’t become PM by sending female MPs to surround the PM’s chair,” he stated, alluding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and recent protest activities.

Modi also touched upon India's recent trade agreements with the European Union and the United States, asserting that these negotiations exemplify a global confidence in India's potential to address contemporary challenges—an opportunity he claimed was not feasible during Congress's governance due to allegations of corruption.

During the event, he praised the launch of the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System and the Meerut Metro, proclaiming a significant increase in urban metro services across the country since his government took office. Under his administration, metro trains have begun service in 25 cities, illustrating advancements in infrastructure that he associated with the development initiatives of his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Prime Minister's speech not only condemned the Congress party but also aimed to consolidate support ahead of upcoming elections, signalling a continued emphasis on development while distancing his government from his opponents' actions. With new transport corridors aimed at improving connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, Modi reiterated his commitment to enhancing the country's infrastructure and service sectors, ushering in a new chapter of growth.