A dramatic protest by workers of the Indian National Congress during the ongoing India AI Summit has triggered a sharp political debate across the country. The incident took place at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, where policymakers, technology leaders, and global experts had gathered to discuss India’s artificial intelligence roadmap.
During the event, members of the Youth Congress staged a shirtless protest inside the venue, raising slogans against the central government. The protest was aimed at drawing attention to issues such as unemployment and concerns related to job creation in the technology sector. The sudden demonstration caused a brief disruption before security officials intervened.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party strongly criticized the protest, calling it irresponsible and inappropriate at an international platform. BJP leaders argued that the AI Summit is a significant opportunity for India to showcase its innovation and attract global investment, and such protests could send the wrong message to foreign delegates.
On the other hand, Congress leaders defended the move, stating that raising public issues is a democratic right. They claimed that major global events should not distract from ground realities, especially when young people continue to struggle for employment opportunities.
The India AI Summit is considered a key event in the government’s push to position India as a global technology powerhouse. Artificial intelligence is being projected as a driver of economic growth, digital transformation, and future job creation. However, the shirtless protest has shifted some attention away from policy discussions toward political confrontation.
As visuals from the protest circulate widely on social media, the Congress shirtless protest at the India AI Summit has become one of the most talked-about political developments, intensifying the ongoing BJP vs Congress narrative at the national level.