Demonstration by Indian Youth Congress at Bharat Mandapam draws political backlash as court sends accused to five-day custody
New Delhi: A dramatic protest disrupted the final day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, after four members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a shirtless demonstration inside the high-security venue, prompting swift police action and arrests.
According to police officials, the protesters raised slogans criticising the Prime Minister and alleging that the government had compromised national interests. Venue staff and security personnel quickly restrained the group before handing them over to authorities.
The four arrested leaders were identified as Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav. They were later produced before a Delhi court, which remanded them to five days’ police custody on charges including criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly.
Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party condemned the protest, calling it a “national embarrassment” that tarnished India’s image during a major international technology summit. Party representatives argued that such demonstrations could undermine investor confidence at global events.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders defended the youth workers, saying the protest was a democratic expression of dissent. They maintained that raising political concerns at public platforms is part of free speech, even if the method was unconventional.
The episode has sparked a wider debate over the balance between security and protest rights at high-profile international gatherings, especially as India positions itself as a global hub for technology and innovation.
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