Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party for their shirtless protest during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held in New Delhi. The protest, aimed at drawing attention to issues they claim the government is neglecting, was described by Modi as a "gimmick" that detracted from the summit's focus on artificial intelligence and its potential to transform India's technological landscape. Modi's comment, "You are already naked," was a metaphorical jab suggesting that the Congress's actions were exposing their lack of constructive engagement.
The AI summit, an important event showcasing advancements and opportunities in artificial intelligence, was overshadowed by the protest. Congress leaders argued that their demonstration was necessary to highlight pressing social and economic issues, including unemployment and digital inequality, which they claim are exacerbated by the government's policies. Despite the disruption, experts at the summit continued discussions on AI's role in boosting economic growth and addressing societal challenges.
In response to the protest, BJP leaders defended the government's track record, citing initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide and promoting innovation. They accused Congress of resorting to theatrics rather than contributing to meaningful debate. As the summit concluded, the focus returned to India's AI ambitions, with stakeholders emphasizing collaboration between government, industry, and academia to harness AI for inclusive development.
— Authored by Next24 Live