The BJP has branded a protest at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi a “National Shame”, accusing the Congress party of attempting to embarrass India during a high-profile global technology event.

The criticism followed a brief disruption inside the summit venue at Bharat Mandapam, where Indian Youth Congress workers staged a protest before being detained by police.

In a post on X, the BJP condemned the incident in strong terms.

“At a time when India is hosting a prestigious global AI Summit, showcasing its innovation and leadership in technology, the Congress party chose disruption over dignity. Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Congress workers went topless and created a ruckus at the venue, an act clearly designed to embarrass India on the world stage. When the nation is striving to position itself as a global technology powerhouse, such conduct only serves the interests of those who wish to see India falter. Political opposition is a democratic right, but sabotaging India’s global image is not. India deserves better,” it read. 

The post came as the summit, held from February 16 to 20, brings together heads of state, global AI leaders, academicians, researchers, leaders of global tech giants and philanthropists.

Meanwhile, a picture circulating on social media shows Gandhi walking alongside Narsimha Yadav, who allegedly organised the protest at the venue.

BJP leaders slams Congress

Union minister Piyush Goyal said the protest put the Congress’s “arrogance and frustration on display” and questioned Gandhi’s approach to opposition politics.

“While you want to choke India's development by peddling lies about the recent trade deals, your foot soldiers are marching shirtless at the prestigious AI Summit, attempting to embarrass 140 crore Indians globally,” he said in a post on X.

“This disruption strategy only exposes your (Gandhi) and your party's lack of vision for India,” Goyal added.

Union minister Gajendra Shekhawat also criticised Gandhi, saying: “Remember, when their pea-brained, immature leader Rahul Gandhi laughs in front of a dead body and wipes his nose on his own party president in public, it's no surprise then that his followers strip their shirts and run around vulgarly at an AI Summit.

“Leadership sets the standard, and this is exactly what they reflect,” he added.

‘Disruption over dignity’: BJP IT cell chief reacts

BJP leader Amit Malviya wrote on X: “At a time when India is hosting a prestigious global AI Summit, showcasing its innovation and leadership in technology, the Congress party chose disruption over dignity.”

He added that Youth Congress workers went shirtless and created a ruckus at the venue, an act “clearly designed to embarrass India on the world stage”.

“Political opposition is a democratic right, but sabotaging India's global image is not,” Malviya said, stressing: “India deserves better.”

BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also reacted on X, writing: “Shame on Congress Party. Congress behaves like Urban Naxals. Cong is an anti-India party.”

He alleged that Youth Congress workers stormed the summit venue and raised “objectionable slogans on the instructions of Rahul Gandhi”.

“Rahul Gandhi, Congress and Gandhi-Vadra family should apologise to the country and its youth,” Bhandari said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the AI Impact Summit 2026 on Thursday in the presence of several world leaders and heads of global tech giants.

Youth Congress protest inside Hall No 5

The protest took place inside Hall No 5 of the summit’s exhibition area. A group of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi before security personnel intervened.

A senior police officer said around 10 people were detained.

"They were removed immediately and were taken to Tilak Marg police station. No one will be allowed to breach law and order situation," the officer said.

The demonstrators marched through the hall wearing or holding white T-shirts bearing images of Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans such as "India US Trade Deal", "Epstein Files" and "PM is compromised". The protest triggered a commotion and heated exchanges between some attendees and the group.

Although no party flags or symbols were displayed, one protester claimed he was "from the Indian Youth Congress".

As they moved towards the lobby and stood against a large backdrop shouting "PM is compromised", a guest with an authenticated entry badge told them it was they "who were compromised" and that the episode "tarnished the image of India", urging security to remove them.

A Delhi Police officer on duty described it as an "unfortunate episode" and said security inside the halls would be heightened.

Entry protocol and visitor access

The protest lasted only a few minutes but caught guests and visitors by surprise.

A student from Ludhiana who visited the Impact Arena on Friday said general visitors must register online through the summit website. A QR code is sent by email, carrying the name and identity of their organisation or institution, and is used to gain entry to Bharat Mandapam.