In a provocative move, Indian Youth Congress posted a photo of Mahatma Gandhi on X following their controversial shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi. The gesture aimed to legitimize the disruptive action that unfolded on Friday at the Bharat Mandapam venue.
‘We are heirs to Gandhi. Shirtless if need be. We fought then, we’ll fight now,’ read the caption accompanying the historical image. This came hours after activists infiltrated the summit, removed their shirts, and vociferously protested against rising unemployment, soaring prices, and the controversial India-US trade agreement.
Security personnel acted decisively, taking the protesters into custody and removing them from the premises. The summit, attended by top government brass, business tycoons, and international guests, was meant to showcase India’s AI ambitions but instead became a stage for political theater.
Youth Congress doubled down on X, stating, ‘Youth stand up when power turns a deaf ear.’ They highlighted perceived hypocrisy: ‘Their protests are patriotic; ours are a national embarrassment?’
The ruling coalition condemned the stunt as a deliberate bid to embarrass India on the world stage. Opposition voices countered that such actions embody democratic rights to voice discontent.
As social media buzzes with reactions, the incident spotlights deeper issues: how youth frustration intersects with India’s tech surge. With AI poised to reshape the economy, protests like these signal urgent calls for addressing joblessness and economic woes amid futuristic promises.