Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sharply criticised the Congress party over a “shirtless” protest staged during the recent India AI Impact Summit, accusing it of turning a global event into a platform for “dirty and naked politics.” Addressing a public gathering in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Modi referred to the protest by Indian Youth Congress members at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Feb 20, where the summit was held.

“There are some political parties within the country who cannot digest India's success. You just witnessed the world's largest AI conference in India. Delegates from over 80 countries came to Delhi. Heads of state from nearly 20 countries came to India. I want to ask the people of Meerut: Were you proud of this AI conference?... The entire country was filled with pride. But what did the Congress and its ecosystem do?

The Congress turned a global event for India into a platform for its dirty and naked politics. Congress leaders reached the venue naked in front of the foreign guests. I ask the Congress people, the country knows that you are already naked, then why did you feel the need to take off your clothes?” Modi said.

He said the summit was a national event and not a BJP function, adding that no BJP leader was present at the time of the protest. He accused Congress of breaking decorum and disrespecting a forum meant to showcase India’s technological progress.

“This corrupt policy of Congress is being condemned by the entire country,” he said, also alleging personal attacks against him.

The Youth Congress had staged the protest accusing Modi of being “compromised” over the India-US trade deal framework.

Referring to other opposition parties, he said the alleged actions were limited to Congress leaders alone and did not involve its allies such as the Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Bahujan Samaj Party and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference.

"The crazy (sarfirae) and reckless (be-lagaam) leaders of Congress are bent on destroying the country," he said

Modi alleged that the Congress’ actions were affecting parliamentary functioning as he slammed the opposition party over the February 4 incident during the Budget session when women MPs had charged towards the Prime Minister's seat in Lok Sabha holding banners before he was to arrive for his scheduled speech, leading to the adjournment of proceedings for the day.

“They are unable to perform in Parliament and do not allow their allies to speak. By not allowing Parliament to function, it is their allies who suffer the most,” Modi said.

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