Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav publicly criticized his INDIA bloc ally Congress on Saturday. He said the Youth Congress’s shirtless protest at a major tech event brought “shame” to the nation. His comments have exposed fresh cracks within the opposition alliance.
The political drama unfolded at Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit. Global tech leaders like Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai attended the event. Four Indian Youth Congress workers staged a protest inside the venue. They walked shirtless through the exhibition hall. Their T-shirts displayed slogans against the Prime Minister and the India-US trade deal.
What should have been a showcase of India’s tech ambitions turned into a political spectacle. Visuals of the protest went viral instantly. The backlash was swift and severe.
Akhilesh’s Strong Words
Speaking in Jhansi, Akhilesh Yadav made his position clear. He did not hold back despite Congress being his alliance partner.
“We have differences with the BJP government. They are cheating the people. But that is a separate issue,” Yadav told party workers.
“What Congress did at the global platform was wrong. They should not have done something that shames our country before foreign delegates and world representatives.”
His message was straightforward. Domestic politics must not embarrass India internationally.
Some reports suggest Yadav went further. “On this matter, I stand with the government. Our fight with them is an internal issue,” he reportedly said.
What Actually Happened at the Summit?
The protest occurred on Friday, February 20, 2026. Four Youth Congress workers entered the AI Summit venue. They removed their shirts. Their chests bore T-shirts with anti-PM slogans.
The timing was significant. Prime Minister Modi had just inaugurated the event. Foreign dignitaries were present throughout the hall.
Police arrested the four protesters immediately. They were identified as Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav.
Legal Trouble for Protesters
The four accused appeared before Patiala House Court on Saturday. The court rejected their bail applications. They will remain in police custody for five days.
Delhi Police made serious allegations in court. They claimed the protest was not spontaneous. “This was part of a deep conspiracy to defame India globally,” the prosecution argued.
Police said the accused raised anti-national slogans. They wore pre-printed T-shirts against the Prime Minister. Investigators believe others helped them. They need custody to trace those still at large.
Three police personnel were injured during the arrests. Police also want to check the accused phones. They want to know if external funding was involved.
The defense lawyers offered a different version. They said the protest was peaceful. “This is a legitimate exercise of constitutional rights,” they argued. They claimed the young men were beaten after detention.
Congress Defends Its Workers
Despite the criticism, Congress stood by its youth wing.
Party spokesperson Pawan Khera defended the protest. “Protests happen where people can see them. Protests happen where media cameras are present,” he said.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge offered a different take. He said the protest method may not have been ideal. But he turned the spotlight on the BJP instead. He questioned why Chinese products were allegedly displayed at the event.
Another Karnataka minister, Eshwara Khandre, cited constitutional rights. “Protesting is a fundamental right. They protested against wrong government policies. What is wrong with that?” he asked.
BJP Launches Fierce Attack
The ruling party responded with full force.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra attacked Congress sharply. “They are topless, brainless, and shameless,” he said.
Former Union minister Smriti Irani called it an attack on India’s interests. “This shows contempt for the people of India. It shows contempt for our entrepreneurial spirit,” she stated.
Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan went further. He described the protest as “an act of sedition.”
BJP MP Anurag Thakur targeted Rahul Gandhi directly. “Congress is anti-India. They defame India on international stages. Rahul Gandhi opposes Modi, but now he opposes India too,” Thakur told reporters.
Other Allies Also Condemn Congress
The protest drew criticism from across the political spectrum. Even Congress’s natural allies spoke out.
YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed his feelings on X. “The Youth Congress made us all feel ashamed. Where is our politics heading? Never demean your country. We must show a united face to the world.”
BSP supremo Mayawati used strong language. She called the act “utterly disgraceful and reprehensible.” She noted the summit had international stature. “Such conduct harms our country’s dignity and image,” she posted.
TDP leader Nara Lokesh said he was “shocked and dismayed.” He added, “Turning a global event into a political spectacle damages our standing. India deserves better.”
BRS leader KT Rama Rao described it as “absolutely deplorable.” He said, “There is a time and place for dissent. An international summit is not one of them.”
Clashes Spread Across States
The political heat spread beyond Delhi. BJP and Congress workers clashed in multiple cities. Indore and Puducherry reported violent confrontations. Both parties mobilized their cadres on the streets.
The protests and counter-protests show how deeply this incident has resonated.
The Bigger Question: Protest vs National Image
Akhilesh Yadav’s criticism raises an important debate. Where should political protest stop?
The right to dissent is fundamental. It is the bedrock of Indian democracy. But does that right extend to embarrassing the nation globally?
Many opposition leaders think not. Yadav, Mayawati, Jagan, and others have drawn a line. They suggest an unwritten code exists. Domestic battles should not hurt India’s global standing.
Congress sees it differently. For them, visibility matters. International attention amplifies their message. They believe the ends justify the means.
“Protest where cameras are,” as Pawan Khera put it. That remains their stance.
What This Means for INDIA Bloc
Akhilesh Yadav’s public rebuke matters. He leads a key INDIA bloc member. Such criticism from within can strain coalition ties.
Yadav was careful. He framed his remarks narrowly. He criticized this specific protest, not the alliance itself. But the damage may linger.
The opposition needs unity against the BJP. Incidents like this make unity harder.
Congress has responded carefully. When asked about allies’ reactions, they said, “India is a democracy. Everyone has the right to their opinion.” This diplomatic answer suggests they want to move past this quickly.
Conclusion
The shirtless protest at the AI Summit has sparked a vital national conversation. It forces us to ask hard questions about protest, patriotism, and political responsibility.
Akhilesh Yadav’s words carry extra weight. They come from within the opposition, not from rivals. When he says the act brought “shame” to India, people listen.
The four protesters remain in custody. Political temperatures remain high. But one lesson is already clear. Global platforms demand a certain decorum. Domestic politics cannot ignore that reality.
In today’s world, every protest goes global instantly. Videos spread within minutes. Political parties must think carefully. Not just about what they protest, but how and where they do it.
The image of shirtless protesters at a prestigious tech summit will linger. It will remain a controversial chapter in India’s political story. And it will keep raising uncomfortable questions for all sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Akhilesh Yadav say about the Congress protest?
Akhilesh Yadav said the protest was wrong. He stated it brought shame to India before foreign delegates. He supported the government on this specific issue while maintaining political differences otherwise.
Why did Youth Congress protest at the AI Summit?
They protested against the India-US trade deal and Prime Minister Modi. They wore T-shirts saying “PM is compromised” and walked shirtless through the venue.
What action was taken against the protesters?
Police arrested all four. A court sent them to five days of custody. Bail was rejected. Police allege a larger conspiracy to defame India.
How did other political parties react?
Most condemned the protest. Jagan Mohan Reddy called it shameful. Mayawati termed it disgraceful. TDP and BRS leaders also criticized it strongly. BJP called Congress “topless, brainless and shameless.”
Did Congress defend the protest?
Yes. Congress said protest must happen where media is present. Some leaders questioned the method but defended the right to protest.
Why was the AI Summit significant?
Global tech leaders including Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai attended. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated it. Foreign dignitaries were present throughout.
Will this affect the INDIA bloc?
It could create strain. But both parties are handling it carefully. Congress is being diplomatic. Akhilesh framed his criticism narrowly.
What did Delhi Police tell the court?
Police said it was a deep conspiracy. They claimed it was inspired by protests in Nepal. They said the accused planned everything in advance.
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