'Shirtless protest' exposed Congress's ideological bankruptcy: PM Modi rips into party's 'Babbar Sher'

PM Modi at Rising Bharat Summit.

• Modi criticizes Congress for shirtless protest during AI Summit
• Says protest hurt India's image before foreign delegates
• Claims Congress opposes key reforms and faces public rejection

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress, saying the party’s recent shirtless protest had “exposed its ideological bankruptcy” and hurt India’s image at a time of global engagement.

Speaking at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026, Modi said the protest during the AI Summit was an attempt to malign the country in front of foreign delegates.

Calling the AI Summit a matter of national pride, the Prime Minister said, “AI Summit was a proud moment for India. But Congress tried to malign India's image in front of foreign representatives.”

He added that when global leaders and dignitaries were present in India, the protest reflected poorly on the nation.

Referring to past controversies, Modi said the Congress had earlier opposed the installation of the lion emblem atop the new Parliament building.

“They tried to oppose the installation of lion head over the Parliament, at a time when their stalwarts were being thrown out by the people,” he said, taking a swipe at what he described as the party’s contradictory politics.

Modi aslo claimed that voters have consistently rejected Congress over the past decades. “People are teaching Congress a lesson over the last four decades,” he said, suggesting that the party’s approach has distanced it from public sentiment.

“People are angry at Congress’ move, so they tried to take example from Mahatma Gandhi,” he said. “All credit goes to one family, but Bapu is used to cover up for these failures.”

“Congress is only there for protests,” Modi said, asserting that the party has opposed transformative changes aimed at national development. "Congress is only there for protests; they opposed Article 370, CAA, women's representation, teen talak, UPI, Swachch Bharat, and Corona vaccines," he said.