New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress over the protests staged by its youth wing during the recently concluded AI Impact Summit in Delhi, as well as the ensuing deadlock in Parliament.
Addressing a public event in Meerut, the Prime Minister accused Congress leaders of attempting to tarnish India’s global image at a time when the country was showcasing its technological capabilities to the world.
‘Tried to defame the country’
Referring to the semi-nude protest allegedly carried out by workers of the Indian Youth Congress outside the AI Summit venue, PM Modi described the demonstration as “shameful” and “unruly”.
He said that while India was presenting its achievements in artificial intelligence and innovation on a global stage, certain Congress leaders attempted to disrupt the event and create controversy.
“The most significant aspect of this incident was that other key components of the Opposition alliance had no role in this demonstration,” he said, asserting that several parties distanced themselves from the protest.
Thanks to opposition allies
In his speech, the Prime Minister claimed that some Opposition allies had openly criticised the Congress over the episode.
“I am pleased that after the shameful incident in Delhi, other Opposition allies have shown the courage to openly criticise the Congress. Parties like the All India Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Bahujan Samaj Party, and Jammu & Kashmir National Conference had no role in this. I publicly thank these allies for standing with the truth,” he said.
PM Modi further argued that such incidents expose internal differences within the Opposition bloc and claimed that several partners were uncomfortable with the Congress’s style of politics.
Remarks on media coverage
The Prime Minister also criticised sections of the media, alleging that they avoid naming the Congress directly when reporting controversies.
“The Congress commits a sin, Congress is criticised, but the media doesn’t use the word Congress, only the word Opposition. Why? Why are you protecting the Congress?” he asked.
“By doing this, you neither save the Congress nor force the Congress to improve,” he added.
He urged media organisations to differentiate between the Congress and other Opposition parties instead of using umbrella terms that, in his view, unfairly implicate parties not involved in specific actions.
Parliament deadlock and women MPs
Addressing the ongoing uproar in Parliament, PM Modi said the Congress was not only unable to function constructively but was also preventing its allies from effectively participating in debates.
Taking aim at the party’s leadership, he said occupying the Prime Minister’s chair requires winning the confidence of the people.
He also questioned what he described as the strategy of putting women MPs at the forefront during protests. “What is your compulsion to capture the seat by putting women MPs forward? Have you become so hollow that you have to use mothers and sisters as shields?” he asked.
The remarks are likely to trigger a strong response from the Congress, which has been critical of the government over various issues in the current parliamentary session.
‘Congress a burden on allies’
Concluding his speech, PM Modi said the Congress had become a “burden” not only for the country but also for its alliance partners.
He claimed that Opposition allies have realised that “Congress commits sins and they have to suffer”, adding that dissent against the party was growing even within the Opposition camp.
The Congress has yet to issue a detailed response to the Prime Minister’s remarks. Meanwhile, political observers say the exchange signals an intensification of rhetoric ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
With Parliament already witnessing disruptions, the controversy surrounding the AI Summit protest and the Prime Minister’s sharp comments are expected to further heighten political tensions in the days ahead.