'Topless, brainless, shameless': Centre slams Congress after youth wing's shirtless march at AI Summit, blames Rahul Gandhi
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) for staging a shirtless protest at the AI Summit, accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating the act to undermine India's image on the global stage. BJP MP Sambit Patra called the protest "topless, brainless, and shameless," alleging that it was designed to embarrass India during a prestigious event showcasing its technological leadership. The detained protesters were seen raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi inside Bharat Mandapam's Exhibition Hall No. 5.
The AI Summit, hosted by India, aims to highlight the country's advancements in artificial intelligence and innovation. However, the protest has sparked a political war of words, with BJP leaders accusing Congress of disrupting the event for political gain. They argue that such actions not only damage India's global reputation but also show a lack of respect for democratic processes.
BJP IT department head Amit Malviya criticized the protest as a deliberate attempt to sabotage India's image on the world stage. He highlighted the significance of hosting such an event, emphasizing that it was not a platform for political vendettas. Malviya also pointed out historical parallels, suggesting that Rahul Gandhi's actions echoed past mistakes by Indian leaders, thereby alienating younger generations and damaging India's international standing.
The incident has also drawn criticism from other BJP members, including commerce minister Piyush Goyal, who accused Congress of arrogance and frustration. He claimed that the protest was part of a broader strategy to hinder India's development and
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026