'Traitor Rahul': BJP protests Congress's shirt-off disruption at AI event
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) youth wing has escalated its conflict with the Congress party by staging protests outside Rahul Gandhi's Delhi residence in response to a disruptive incident at the AI Impact India Summit. Members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), part of the rival faction, had removed their shirts and chanted slogans like "Compromised PM" during the summit, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of selling out the country's identity. The BJP, branding Rahul Gandhi as a "traitor," accused the Congress of tarnishing India's international reputation through such actions.
The AI summit, a significant event showcasing Indian innovation, was disrupted by Congress members who allegedly removed their shirts and raised slogans against the government's leadership. The IYC claimed their protest targeted what they viewed as a compromised PM prioritizing corporate interests over national welfare. Delhi Police detained four IYC workers during the incident, while BJP leaders vowed to continue their opposition. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva announced plans for another protest outside Congress headquarters, calling the youth wing's actions "hooliganism" and accusing them of working against India's best interests.
The clash highlights the deepening political rivalry between the two parties, with theBJP asserting that such disruptions harm India's image on the global stage. The incident underscores how domestic political tensions can impact international perceptions, particularly in areas like technology and innovation where India aims to establish itself as a global leader. This controversy raises questions about whether political posturing will overshadow India's efforts to leverage its strengths in AI and data science.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026