PM Modi hits out at Congress over 'shirtless' protest at AI Summit; Calls it 'gandi and nangi' politics

Meerut: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched his attack on the Congress over its "shirtless" protest during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and  accused the party of turning a global platform into a stage for "gandi and nangi" politics.

Where did the PM Modi say?

While addressing a gathering in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut on Sunday after flagging off the Namo Bharat train and inaugurating development projects worth around Rs 12,930 crore, PM Modi said that the Congress embarrassed the country by doing the "shirtless" protest before international guests attending the summit.

"There are some political parties within the country who cannot digest India's success," he said.

Turning to the public gathering, PM Modi asked, "You just witnessed the world's largest AI conference in India. Delegates from over 80 countries came to Delhi. Heads of state from nearly 20 countries came to India. I want to ask the people of Meerut: Were you proud of this AI conference?... The entire country was filled with pride. But what did the Congress and its ecosystem do?"

Calling the incident a proof of Congress ideology, PM Modi said that, "The Congress turned a global event for India into a platform for its dirty and naked politics. Congress leaders reached the venue naked in front of the foreign guests. I ask the Congress people, the country knows that you are already naked, so why did you feel the need to take off your clothes? What the Congress leaders did there shows how ideologically bankrupt and impoverished the oldest party of the country has become... Congress is busy defaming its own country."

#WATCH | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... The Congress turned a global event for India into a platform for its dirty and naked politics. Congress leaders reached the venue naked in front of the foreign guests. I ask the Congress people, the country… https://t.co/fa5yKag8oq pic.twitter.com/81zAr1Qsar

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026

What did PM Modi say about the Congress leaders?

PM Modi said that instead of expressing regret over the incident, the Congress leaders were praising those who insult India. 

"But unfortunately, leaders of such an old party, instead of being ashamed, are openly praising those who insult the country,” he said.

Further talking about other opposition parties, PM Modi said that that Congress allies had distanced themselves after the Delhi protest.

“Only Congress leaders are hell-bent on ruining the country. If you want to sit in the Prime Minister’s chair, you must first win the trust of the people,” he said.