Margaret Alva Criticises Shirtless Protest BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Stunt
Senior Congress figure calls for decorum at global forum; BJP escalates attack on Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi, Feb 23 : The Youth Congress shirtless protest controversy intensified on Monday after veteran Congress leader Margaret Alva underscored the need for “dignity” and “discipline” during international gatherings, prompting a sharp political response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking in Bengaluru, Alva said global events demand responsibility from all participants. “During international programmes, decorum and discipline must be maintained,” she remarked while responding to queries about the demonstration held at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit.
Her comments added an internal dimension to the row, as criticism appeared to come from within Congress ranks.
BJP sharpens attack
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla seized on Alva’s statement to target the Congress leadership. In a post on X, he mocked the party and accused it of lowering standards through the protest. The ruling party has repeatedly alleged that the demonstration embarrassed the country on an international platform.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised the incident, claiming it reflected poorly on India’s global standing.
Protest at AI summit
The demonstration took place on February 20 inside Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit, attended by international delegates and industry leaders. Youth Congress workers staged a shirtless protest, raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre over issues including unemployment, inflation and the reported India–US trade deal.
Prime Minister Modi later referred to the disruption during a public address in Meerut, questioning whether critics felt pride in India hosting what he described as the largest AI summit in a developing nation.
The episode has since triggered a wider political exchange, with the BJP framing it as irresponsible conduct at a prestigious global forum, while Congress leaders continue to defend their right to dissent.
