'Ashamed of them': Opposition leaders slam Youth Congress ‘topless’ protest at AI Impact Summit

The protest was staged during the AI Summit on Friday

• Youth Congress staged topless protest at AI Impact Summit 2026
• Leaders condemned protest as inappropriate for global platform
• Incident sparked debate on protests at international events

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A political row erupted after Youth Congress workers staged a topless protest during the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, drawing criticism from several leaders who said the demonstration was inappropriate for an international gathering focused on artificial intelligence.

The summit, attended by prominent delegates from India and abroad, was intended to project India’s growing stature in emerging technologies. Instead, the protest became a flashpoint, with opposition leaders arguing that such actions undermine the country’s global image.

“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. Whatever our political differences may be, we should always present a united face to the world,” said Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Calling the incident highly objectionable, Mayawati said, “The AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi had invited many prominent personalities from India and abroad and had received international attention. Expressing protest in a semi nude manner at such a platform, allegedly by Congress youth workers, was extremely inappropriate and condemnable. Had the conference not been of international level, the matter would have been different, but such conduct during an international summit is a matter of concern and it is important not to damage the country’s dignity and image.”

“It is absolutely deplorable that members of the Youth Congress chose the AI Impact Summit 2026 as a venue for petty political theatrics. Using such a global platform for protests will project our great nation India in a poor light internationally. While difference of opinion is natural in a democracy, understanding where and how to protest is very important. There is a time and place for political dissent, and an international summit is certainly not one of them. And the irony is hard to miss: Youth Congress guys staged the protest precisely when their own party’s Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, was addressing the same AI Summit,” said BRS senior leader KT Rama Rao, while reacting to the protest by the Youth Congress workers during the AI Summit in the capital.

“I’m shocked and dismayed by the disruption caused by Youth Congress at the AI Summit yesterday. This global platform was meant to showcase India’s growing leadership as an emerging AI superpower. Turning such a prestigious international event into a political spectacle only diminishes our collective standing before the world. India deserves better. Let us rise above petty politics and focus on nation-building through innovation and excellence,” said Minister Nara Lokesh, while condemning Congress' protest.

The protest has since sparked a broader political debate over the appropriateness of demonstrations at international forums meant to showcase India’s achievements on the global stage.