“Country already knows you are naked”: PM Modi attacks Congress over shirtless protest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress over a shirtless protest staged by Indian Youth Congress workers during the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, accusing the party of turning a global platform into a stage for “dirty and naked politics”. Addressing a public rally in Meerut after inaugurating development projects worth around Rs 12,930 crore, the Prime Minister said the incident had embarrassed the country before international delegates.

Referring to the disruption inside the summit venue, Modi said the Congress had insulted the nation at an event attended by global representatives. “The Congress turned a global event for India into a platform for its dirty and naked politics. Congress leaders reached the venue naked in front of foreign guests,” he said, adding that the country was aware of the party’s political conduct.

The controversy erupted after a group of Youth Congress workers entered Hall No. 5 at Bharat Mandapam using QR-coded passes and removed their shirts while raising slogans against the Prime Minister. The demonstrators displayed T-shirts bearing images of Modi and US President Donald Trump along with slogans related to the India-US trade deal. Security personnel quickly removed them, though the protest briefly disrupted proceedings.

Police detained four to five protesters and took them to Tilak Marg police station for questioning. Those reportedly involved include Youth Congress leaders Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar and Narasimha Yadav. An FIR was registered and further legal action is underway. Officials also said security protocols at the venue have been strengthened.

The political fallout extended beyond Delhi, with protests and counter-protests reported in other cities. BJP workers condemned the disruption and accused the Congress of attempting to tarnish India’s global image during an international summit. Meanwhile, the Youth Congress defended the demonstration, calling it a democratic expression of dissent over unemployment and trade-related concerns.

During his Meerut address, Modi also targeted the Congress leadership, alleging ideological decline and accusing the party of defaming the country. He said national achievements should not be politicised and urged media outlets not to frame criticism of such incidents merely as attacks on the opposition. The Prime Minister reiterated that the AI Summit was a matter of national pride and not a party event.