Source news 18
At a high-profile session of the AI Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a sharp swipe at the opposition Indian National Congress over its recent shirtless protest, remarking, “You are already naked,” in a scathing political attack that quickly ignited a fresh war of words between the ruling and opposition parties.
The Prime Minister’s comment came while addressing delegates, industry leaders, and policymakers at the summit, which focused on India’s technological ambitions and its growing footprint in artificial intelligence. Without naming specific individuals, Modi criticized what he described as “theatrics and distraction politics,” accusing the opposition of resorting to symbolic stunts instead of constructive debate.
The Congress party had staged a shirtless protest earlier, reportedly to highlight alleged government failures and rising public concerns. Party leaders defended the demonstration as a symbolic act meant to draw attention to issues they claim are being ignored by the administration.
Reacting strongly to the Prime Minister’s remark, Congress spokespersons condemned the statement as “undignified” and “unbecoming of the office,” accusing the ruling party of deflecting from substantive policy discussions. They reiterated that their protest was aimed at amplifying public grievances and ensuring accountability.
Meanwhile, leaders from the ruling party backed Modi’s statement, asserting that the opposition’s methods undermine serious policy dialogue. They emphasized that forums like the AI Summit should focus on innovation, economic growth, and India’s global competitiveness in emerging technologies.
The exchange has further intensified political tensions ahead of upcoming electoral battles, with both sides trading accusations over governance, decorum, and public engagement. As the political rhetoric escalates, the spotlight remains divided between India’s technological aspirations and the charged atmosphere of its domestic politics.
