Opposition Leaders Slam Youth Congress Over 'Semi-Nude' Protest at AI Summit
Opposition leaders and Congress allies on Saturday strongly criticized the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) for its 'semi-nude' protest at the AI Impact Summit, labeling the act as inappropriate and asserting that it brought shame to the country on an international stage.
Political Leaders Express Disapproval
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav addressed reporters, stating, 'We may have internal rifts, but what Congress did on the global platform was not appropriate.' He emphasized that the party should have avoided actions that embarrass India in front of foreign delegates and world representatives.
These comments followed the detention of approximately 10 IYC workers on Friday after they raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi inside Exhibition Hall No. 5 at Bharat Mandapam during the summit, sparking a political uproar.
Details of the Protest Incident
The protesters entered the venue wearing or holding white T-shirts featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, along with slogans such as 'India-US Trade Deal', 'Epstein Files', and 'PM is compromised'. This led to heated exchanges with attendees at the event.
Reactions from Various Political Figures
YSR Congress chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy posted on X, 'Yesterday at the AI Summit, the Youth Congress made us all feel ashamed. Where is our politics heading! No one should ever demean our country.' He added that despite political differences, a united front should be presented to the world.
BSP president Mayawati described the protest as 'utterly unbecoming and reprehensible', noting that at an internationally significant event like the AI Impact Summit, such expressions of anger through semi-nudity are concerning and tarnish the country's dignity.
Calls for Responsible Protest Methods
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha acknowledged existing grievances but suggested there could have been a better way to address them. He stated, 'Grievances exist, and no one can deny that. Whether it's about the lack of clarity in a deal or issues with Epstein files, there could have been a better way to address these concerns.' He emphasized the need for responsible handling of movements.
BJP's Strong Condemnation
The ruling BJP had previously slammed the Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over the shirtless protest, calling it a 'despicable act'. BJP MP Sambit Patra accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party of being 'traitors of the highest order' and described the protest as 'topless, brainless, shameless'.
Youth Congress Defends Its Actions
In a statement, the Indian Youth Congress defended the protest, claiming it was against a 'compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit'. The group asserted that its workers acted to raise a voice against the Modi government and force answers on compromises to the country's honor.
