'Gandi aur nangi rajneeti': PM Modi blasts Congress after youth wing's 'shirtless' protest at AI Summit
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 22, 2026
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi harshly criticized the Congress party for turning a global event into a political spectacle, accusing them of engaging in "gandi aur nangi" (dirty and shameless) politics. Speaking at an event, he condemned the youth wing of the Congress, the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), for their shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The protesters wore T-shirts with the slogan “India-US Trade Deal Compromised,” drawing widespread criticism, including from key allies and opposition leaders who deemed the act inappropriate and damaging to India's international image.
The protest occurred during a high-profile summit attended by foreign dignitaries, where the Congress youth wing raised anti-national slogans. Delhi Police filed a case against four protesters—Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narsingh—for obstructing public servants, hate speech, and criminal conspiracy. A judicial magistrate granted them five days in police custody, rejecting their bail pleas due to the ongoing investigation.
Modi’s criticism reflects broader tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The incident has sparked debates about the appropriateness of political protests during international events and raised questions about the role of opposition parties in maintaining India’s global image. The case also highlights how such actions can lead to legal consequences, as seen with the protesters facing charges and custody.
This controversy underscores deeper divisions within Indian politics and the potential impact of such actions on India’s reputation on the world stage. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between political dissent and diplomatic decorum in global settings.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026