Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on the Congress party today over their controversial 'shirtless' protest during the India AI Impact Summit, questioning the opposition's tactics while simultaneously dedicating major infrastructure projects to the nation in Meerut.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday delivered a scathing critique of the Congress party's recent protest tactics, accusing them of embarrassing India on a global stage, as he flagged off the much-anticipated Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat rapid rail services in Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing a massive public gathering in Meerut, Modi did not mince words as he targeted the opposition over the February 20 incident where Indian Youth Congress members staged a 'shirtless' protest at the India AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
PM Modi slams Congress over 'dirty politics' at global forum
"The world's largest AI conference was held in India and filled the country with pride. Representatives from over 80 countries and heads of state from nearly 20 nations were present. But Congress turned a global event into a platform for dirty and naked politics," Modi said, his voice ringing with indignation.
In a particularly sharp jab, the Prime Minister questioned the rationale behind the protest, stating, "The country already knows that Congress is naked and exposed. Then why did its leaders feel the need to remove their clothes in front of foreign guests?" He described the act as a reflection of the party's "ideological bankruptcy" and a sign of its weakened state.
The protest, staged by the Indian Youth Congress, was ostensibly aimed at accusing the Prime Minister of compromising national interests within the India-US trade framework. However, Modi countered that the AI Summit was a national platform celebrating India's technological ascent, not a BJP event, and accused the opposition of disrespecting the forum for cheap political gains.
5 key takeaways from PM Modi's Meerut address
1. Renounce 'toxic politics,' embrace development
Modi urged opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and BSP, to abandon what he termed "toxic politics" and focus on developmental agendas. He contrasted his government's performance, noting that metro rail services, which operated in only five cities before 2014, now run in over 25 cities under BJP rule.
2. Corruption versus self-reliance
Taking a swipe at previous administrations, Modi alleged that infrastructure projects frequently stalled due to corruption under Congress rule, with metro technology being imported. "We have ended the era of scams and pushed the country towards self-reliance," he asserted, highlighting that the new Meerut Metro and rapid rail are products of this indigenous push.
3. Congress defaming the country
Reiterating his attack on the opposition's protest, Modi stated that by disrupting the AI Global Summit, Congress disrespected India's growing technological reputation. "The event was national, not political, and aimed at showcasing India's progress," he added.
4. Nation condemns Congress' conduct
The Prime Minister claimed that people across the country are criticizing Congress for its actions, accusing the party of disrupting parliamentary proceedings and weakening its own alliance partners through its conduct.
5. Allies pay the price for Congress' actions
In a strategic remark, Modi suggested that criticism should target Congress specifically. He claimed that the party's confrontational tactics often harm its own allies, who are forced to face the electoral and political consequences of Congress' missteps.
India's global stature on the rise
Shifting focus to governance and foreign policy, Modi highlighted India's enhanced credibility on the world stage. "There was a time when the Congress government could not finalize agreements because the world hesitated to deal with a government associated with scams," he said. "Today, developed countries are eager to connect with India. The world believes India can provide solutions to 21st-century challenges."
He attributed this shift to India's rapid progress in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, which has bolstered the nation's influence globally.
Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat flagged off
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister flagged off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat rapid rail from the Shatabdi Nagar station, traveling to Meerut South station where he interacted with students. He also inaugurated development projects worth approximately ₹12,930 crore in the Meerut region.
Key features of the new Metro service:
- Design: The trains feature a vibrant blue, orange, and fluorescent green color scheme.
- Comfort: Coaches are fully air-conditioned with cushioned, comfortable seating.
- Capacity: Each three-coach trainset has 173 seats and can accommodate over 700 passengers.
- Safety Features: Equipped with CCTV cameras, emergency alarms, automatic doors, fire alarms, and a talk-back communication system.
- Accessibility: Separate coaches and reserved seats are provided for women and senior citizens, along with luggage racks and mobile charging facilities.
- Display Systems: Digital display screens and push-button facilities are installed for passenger convenience.
The Namo Bharat rapid rail will drastically cut travel time, covering the 82.15-km distance between Delhi and Meerut in approximately 55 minutes, connecting Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram. Meanwhile, the Meerut Metro will enhance intra-city connectivity between Begumpul and Meerut South.
As the political temperature rises with this sharp exchange, Modi's dual message was clear: while he champions infrastructure and technological growth, he remains ready to confront the opposition's political strategies head-on.
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