Union ministers slam Cong, Rahul for protest by IYC at AI Summit

A host of Union ministers on Friday slammed the Congress for a dramatic 'shirtless protest' staged by its youth wing members at the AI Impact Summit venue, calling the act "shameful" and an attempt to “tarnish” India's reputation on the global stage. The ministers also alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wanted to choke India's development by peddling lies about the recent trade deals and attempting to embarrass 140 crore Indians globally.
“The shameful manner in which Youth Congress workers created a ruckus at the (AI Impact Summit) venue by indulging in inappropriate behaviour was not only unfortunate but also an attempt to tarnish India's reputation on the international stage. I condemn this act of the Congress," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X.Singh said while the entire world was watching India host the AI Impact Summit at the Bharat Mandapam here, witnessing India's growing global leadership in technology and innovation, the Congress chose to disrupt the event instead of enhancing the nation's honour. Whenever India advances on the global stage, the Congress, instead of standing with the national interest, appears to prioritise political gains, and it is extremely regrettable to place partisan politics above the nation's prestige and honour, the defence minister said.
Taking to X, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, “This is CONGRESS ARROGANCE and FRUSTRATION on display!”  "So, Mr Rahul Gandhi, humiliating India to target the government is your idea of opposition! While you want to CHOKE India's development by peddling lies about the recent trade deals, your foot soldiers are marching shirtless at the prestigious AI Summit, attempting to embarrass 140 crore Indians globally. This disruption strategy only exposes your and your party's lack of vision for India," Goyal said.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said while the entire world is applauding India's global leadership, innovation and technology vision, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress once again indulged in the politics of shaming the nation. Congress' politics has now shrunk to mere disruption and embarrassment, he alleged.According to a senior Delhi Police officer, around 15 people have been detained for the protest at the AI Summit.“They were removed immediately and taken to the Tilak Marg police station. No one will be allowed to breach law and order,” the officer said. Delhi Police arrested four Indian Youth Congress workers in connection with 'shirtless protest' at AI Summit, says official.

VIDEO | Indian Youth Congress protesters at the AI Summit being taken to Mandir Marg Police Station. New Delhi DCP Devesh Mahla says, “Indian Youth Congress staged a protest. Around 15 people came. Inside the lobby area of Hall No. 5, they removed hidden T-shirts worn under… pic.twitter.com/2Ql23KonV3

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 20, 2026

A group of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers on Friday staged a dramatic 'shirtless protest' at an exhibition hall at the AI Impact Summit, walking around holding T-shirts with slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal printed on them, before being whisked away by security personnel present at the venue. Defending the protest by its workers, IYC national president Uday Bhanu Chib said in a statement, "Peaceful protest is our right in a democracy, and we will continue to raise the voice of the youth.” He also claimed that the organisation was not against the AI Summit but against “any compromise with India's interests”.