PM says global tech event was misused for ‘dirty politics’
February 22, 2026: Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party over a shirtless protest staged during the India AI Impact Summit, accusing the opposition of dragging politics into what he described as a prestigious global platform. Addressing a public gathering in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister said the summit showcased India’s technological progress to the world, but was disrupted by what he termed “dirty and naked politics.” He alleged that certain political parties were unable to accept India’s growing global stature.
Referring to the protest by members of the Congress youth wing at the summit in New Delhi, Modi stressed that the AI Global Summit was not affiliated with any political party. He said it was “national work” meant to advance the country’s interests, not a BJP event, and argued that political rivalry should not overshadow institutional decorum or national pride. The Prime Minister maintained that such actions undermined the spirit of innovation and collective achievement.
Escalating his criticism, Modi also accused opposition leaders of personal hostility, claiming they were driven by animosity against him. The remarks have intensified the ongoing political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress, turning even international technology forums into arenas of domestic political battle.