New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) A coalition of distinguished citizens has strongly criticized the recent shirtless demonstrations by Indian Youth Congress (IYC) members at the AI Impact Summit. They condemned the Congress party's approach to politics, asserting that it prioritized the party’s interests over the dignity and reputation of the Republic.

Identifying themselves as concerned citizens, they described the events at the AI Summit as “unforgivable”, claiming it tarnished the nation’s honor and violated its dignity.

This group, consisting of prominent figures from various sectors—including former diplomats, retired senior bureaucrats, ex-judges, and military veterans—expressed alarm over what they perceived as an attack on the Indian Republic’s prestige fueled by the party’s “staged antics.”

In a comprehensive statement entitled “A National Disgrace at Bharat Mandapam,” nearly 300 esteemed individuals who have served the nation in different capacities voiced their disapproval of the protest tactics. They stated, “We urge a unified rejection of any political culture that takes pride in publicly defaming our homeland.”

Notable signatories included former J&K DGP SP Vaid, ex-Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Vijay Kumar Singhal, former RAW chief Sanjeev Tripathi, and former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court BC Patel, all of whom expressed their disbelief at the incident.

“This was not an organic display of dissent; it was a calculated act of sabotage. Entering a secure international venue under the pretense of legitimate participants, only to strip and engage in vulgar slogans, constitutes a violation of security protocols and basic decency. Such behavior is not “activism”—it is an “anti-national disruption” intended to project instability to global investors and partners,” the statement condemned.

Critiquing the timing of the protests at the AI Expo, they noted that while India was showcasing its intellectual prowess to some of the world's leading tech figures and international delegates, the “staged tantrums” of Congress youth members only served to damage the country’s reputation on the global stage.

“Utilizing a high-level diplomatic and technological platform for a crude, exhibitionist stunt demonstrates that their brand of politics prioritizes personal visibility over the Republic’s prestige,” they remarked.

Furthermore, they emphasized that while democratic protest is a fundamental right, it does not equate to chaos or the public humiliation of the nation.

“Genuine political opposition challenges policies through intellectual rigor and parliamentary debate; it does not involve stripping in front of foreign dignitaries to gain social media attention. This stunt has handed our adversaries the very footage they need to undermine India’s success narrative,” the statement continued.

The concerned citizens further criticized the actions as an attempt to “hijack a national milestone for partisan theatricality” and declared the “shirtless” demonstration a dismal exhibition of “mindless” politics that belittles the intelligence of the Indian youth it claims to represent.

“International platforms should be off-limits for the undignified internal conflicts of any political party. Such actions do not just harm a government; they harm a nation,” they concluded.

Just a day prior, a group of educators and scholars had also denounced the 'topless' protests by IYC members at the AI Expo, characterizing the move as “deeply regrettable and poorly thought out.”