PM Modi lashes out at Congress for “shirtless” protest at AI Impact Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inaugural event of the Namo Bharat rail and other projects in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday | Photo Credit: ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rebuked the Congress party and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over the recent “shirtless” protest by Indian Youth Congress volunteers at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. Modi alleged that the party had turned an international event hosted by the country into an arena for its “gandi aur nangi (dirty and shameless)” politics.

Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the Namo Bharat rail and other projects in Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), Modi said that the Congress’ conduct showed how “ideologically bankrupt and impoverished” the party had become.

Modi commended some “opposition” parties for calling out the Congress and hence, “standing with truth and national pride”. He “appreciated the courage” shown by these parties that criticised the incident at the AI summit. YSRCP led by Jagan Reddy, K Chandrashekar Rao-led BRS, and BSP led by Mayawati – none of which is part of the INDI alliance – have criticised the Congress party.

Modi further alleged that Congress leaders were glorifying those who had insulted the country, instead of feeling ashamed.

Limiting the liability to Congress leaders, the PM said the actions did not involve the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), or the National Conference. “By not allowing Parliament to function, it is their allies who suffer the most,” he added.

In what is hinted at as an allusion to Rahul Gandhi, Modi said, “If you want to sit in the Prime Minister’s chair, you must first win the hearts of the people.” He alleged that the crazy (sarfirae) and reckless (be-lagaam) leaders of the Congress are bent on destroying the country.

‘Congress, a burden on India’

The PM’s outbursts against the Congress apparent after he skipped the customary reply to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha. Modi slammed the Congress over the February 4 incident during the Budget session, when women MPs holding banners had moved towards the PM’s seat in the Lok Sabha, before he was to arrive for his scheduled speech, leading to the adjournment of proceedings for the day.

“You cannot become prime minister by sending women MPs to occupy seats. What compulsion is there to push mothers and sisters forward like this? Have you become so hollow?” Modi said and alleged that Congress had become a burden on the country.

“But what did the Congress and its ecosystem do? They turned a global event of India into an arena for their gandi aur nangi (dirty and shameless) politics. Congress leaders arrived at the venue in front of foreign dignitaries after taking off their clothes. I want to ask Congress leaders – the country already knows you are ‘nange’ (exposed), so why was there any need to stoop further?” he said.

After inaugurating development projects worth around ₹12,930 crore in Meerut, PM Modi said that the BJP’s work culture ensures timely completion of projects and the double-engine government would continue working towards making UP the country’s largest economy.

Published on February 22, 2026