Indian Youth Congress Defends Shirtless Protest at AI Summit Venue
The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) has strongly defended its controversial shirtless protest that took place at the AI Summit venue in Bharat Mandapam on Friday. The organization stated that the demonstration was specifically aimed at what they termed the "compromised Prime Minister" and represented the growing frustration of the nation's unemployed youth.
'PM is Compromised' Slogan Echoes Through Summit Venue
During the high-profile AI Summit, Youth Congress activists raised slogans of 'PM is Compromised' in what they described as a clear message that the country's youth "won't stay silent" any longer. According to IYC representative Bhanu, who spoke to ANI, this phrase is not merely a political slogan but rather "the voice of the anger of millions of unemployed youth" across India.
"Youth Congress comrades raised slogans of 'PM is Compromised', clearly conveying the message that the youth of the country will no longer sit quietly," Bhanu asserted. "'PM is Compromised' is not just a slogan, but the voice of the anger of millions of unemployed youth."
The organization specifically criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trade deal with America, claiming it appears to be "against the interests of farmers and the common people" while providing greater benefits to the United States.
Protest Details and Police Response
According to Delhi Police officials, the protest incident occurred around 12:30 pm at the Bharat Mandapam venue. The protesters had registered online to attend the summit and were initially wearing sweaters and jackets over T-shirts carrying political slogans.
Near Hall No. 5, one protester removed his outer clothing and waved the slogan-bearing T-shirt in protest. Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Mahla confirmed that legal action has been initiated against those involved in the demonstration. Police officials stated that those detained are being properly identified and appropriate legal measures are being taken.
IYC's Justification and Historical References
In an official statement released earlier, the Youth Congress organization said its workers "raised their voice and protested against the compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit."
Subsequent social media posts from the IYC elaborated on their position: "The truth cannot be buried behind the glittering stage of the AI Summit. When corporate interests are placed above the nation's welfare and a softness in foreign policy is clearly visible, then protest becomes a duty!"
The group emphasized that their demonstration was specifically targeted: "We're not against the AI Summit. We're against the compromises being made with India's interests." They further invoked historical figures to justify their methods, stating: "If we know how to follow the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi, we also know how to follow the path shown by Sardar Bhagat Singh. We absolutely will not allow the interests of the country's youth and farmers to be traded away."
BJP Leaders Condemn Protest as 'Shameless' and 'Humiliating'
The protest triggered sharp and immediate reactions from Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, who condemned the action as an attempt to embarrass India on the global stage.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal directly accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of attempting to "humiliate India" through such protests. In a post on social media platform X, Goyal wrote: "This is CONGRESS ARROGANCE & FRUSTRATION on display! So, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, humiliating India to target the Government is your idea of opposition!"
Goyal further criticized what he called a "disruption strategy," adding: "While you want to CHOKE India's development by peddling lies about the recent trade deals, your foot soldiers are marching shirtless at the prestigious AI Summit, attempting to embarrass 140 crore Indians globally. This disruption strategy only exposes your and your party's lack of vision for India."
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav was equally critical, terming the protest "Absolute shamelessness from Congress!" He stated: "At a time Bharat is taking strides positioning itself as a global technology powerhouse, Congress is going all out to embarrass the country. This is not political opposition, this is an attempt at sabotaging India's global image. Despicable."
Youth Congress Vows to Continue Speaking 'Truth'
Despite the criticism and legal action, the Indian Youth Congress has vowed to continue its activism. Bhanu concluded his remarks by asserting: "Youth Congress will continue to fight for the rights of the country and will keep speaking the truth on every platform."
The organization reiterated that their workers went to Bharat Mandapam specifically "so that a voice can be raised against the 'Compromised PM' and the Modi government is forced to answer for the compromises being made on the country's honor!"
This incident highlights the deepening political tensions in India as the country hosts international events like the AI Summit, with opposition groups using increasingly visible methods to protest government policies they believe compromise national interests.
