Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sharply criticised the Congress party over a “shirtless” protest staged during the recent India AI Impact Summit,
accusing it of turning a global event into a platform for “dirty and naked politics.” Addressing a public gathering in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Modi referred to the protest by Indian Youth Congress members at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Feb 20, where the summit was held. “There are some political parties within the country who cannot digest India's success. You just witnessed the world's largest AI conference in India. Delegates from over 80 countries came to Delhi. Heads of state from nearly 20 countries came to India. I want to ask the people of Meerut: Were you proud of this AI conference?... The entire country was filled with pride. But what did the Congress and its ecosystem do? 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 the foreign guests. I ask the Congress people, the country knows that you are already naked, then why did you feel the need to take off your clothes?” Modi said.
He said the summit was a national event and not a BJP function, adding that no BJP leader was present at the time of the protest. He accused Congress of breaking decorum and disrespecting a forum meant to showcase India’s technological progress.
“This corrupt policy of Congress is being condemned by the entire country,” he said, also alleging personal attacks against him.
The Youth Congress had staged the protest accusing Modi of being “compromised” over the India-US trade deal framework.
Referring to other opposition parties, he said the alleged actions were limited to Congress leaders alone and did not involve its allies such as the Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Bahujan Samaj Party and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference.
"The crazy (sarfirae) and reckless (be-lagaam) leaders of Congress are bent on destroying the country," he said
Modi alleged that the Congress’ actions were affecting parliamentary functioning as he slammed the opposition party over the February 4 incident during the Budget session when women MPs had charged towards the Prime Minister's seat in Lok Sabha holding banners before he was to arrive for his scheduled speech, leading to the adjournment of proceedings for the day.
“They are unable to perform in Parliament and do not allow their allies to speak. By not allowing Parliament to function, it is their allies who suffer the most,” Modi said.
Without naming anyone, PM Modi said, “If you want to sit in the Prime Minister’s chair, you must first win the hearts of the people.
"You cannot become prime minister by sending women MPs to occupy seats… and what compulsion is there to push mothers and sisters forward like this? Have you become so hollow?”
He alleged that Congress had become a burden on the country and said he appreciated the courage shown by opposition parties that criticised the incident at the AI summit.
Modi also highlighted India’s growing global profile, saying developed countries are now keen to enter trade agreements with India. “The world feels India can provide solutions to the challenges of the 21st century,” he said.
The PM inaugurated and dedicated development projects worth about 12,930 crore in Meerut and flagged off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat Train. He said metro services now operate in more than 25 cities, compared to five under previous Congress-led governments.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied him at the event.
(With inputs from agencies)
