By Staff Reporter<\/strong> A political controversy erupted after members of the Youth Congress staged a shirtless protest during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav criticised the demonstration, calling it an act that \u201cbrings shame to the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The AI Impact Summit, held on February 20\u201321 in the national capital, brought together international delegates, technology experts, policymakers and industry leaders to showcase India\u2019s advancements in artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the event, members of the Indian Youth Congress removed their shirts and raised slogans criticising Prime Minister and the central government. Protesters displayed placards referring to issues such as unemployment and trade policies. Security personnel quickly intervened and escorted them out of the venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking to reporters in Jhansi, Akhilesh Yadav said the protest was inappropriate given the international setting of the summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen foreign delegates are present at an international forum, such actions harm the country\u2019s image,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n He added:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDifferences and criticism of the government are part of democracy. But protests should not be conducted in a way that embarrasses the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Calling the summit an important platform to highlight India\u2019s technological achievements, Yadav said political demonstrations at such events should have been avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Congress leaders defended the action, describing it as a democratic expression of dissent. A party spokesperson said the protest aimed to draw attention to pressing public issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe youth are raising concerns about unemployment, economic challenges and policy decisions. Democratic platforms must allow space for voices of dissent,\u201d the spokesperson stated.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Party representatives argued that national and international forums should not be insulated from domestic concerns affecting citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ruling Bhartiya Janata party (BJP) strongly condemned the protest, terming it irresponsible and disrespectful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several BJP leaders said the summit was intended to showcase India\u2019s growing stature in the global technology sector and that turning it into a political stage undermined that objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yadav\u2019s remarks are politically significant, as his party is aligned with Congress within the broader opposition bloc. However, his criticism underscores differences in approach regarding political conduct on international platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Political analysts say the episode highlights tensions within opposition ranks and could influence narratives ahead of upcoming electoral contests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What was meant to be a high-profile international event showcasing India\u2019s AI ambitions has become the centre of a domestic political debate. With Akhilesh Yadav describing the protest as a \u201cshame to the nation,\u201d the incident continues to fuel discussions on the boundaries between democratic dissent and national representation on the global stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Staff ReporterNew Delhi\/Jhansi | February 22, 2026 A political controversy erupted after members of the Youth Congress staged a shirtless protest during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav criticised the demonstration, calling it an act that \u201cbrings shame to the nation.\u201d The…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8000","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n
New Delhi\/Jhansi | February 22, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Incident<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAkhilesh Yadav\u2019s Response<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nCongress Defends the Protest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nBJP Condemns the Demonstration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPolitical Implications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nConclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n