Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Margaret Alva has publicly criticized the “shirtless” protest staged by Indian Youth Congress (IYC) members at the Global AI Summit in Delhi, calling for greater “dignity and discipline” at international forums. Speaking to the media on February 23, 2026, Alva emphasized that while dissent is a democratic right, it must be exercised with a sense of responsibility, especially when foreign delegates and global leaders are present. Her remarks come in the wake of a controversial demonstration at Bharat Mandapam, where protesters removed their shirts to reveal slogans against the Prime Minister and the India-US trade deal, leading to a major security breach and five arrests. Alva’s intervention has highlighted a growing internal rift within the Congress party, as her disapproval mirrors criticism from the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the act as “shameful.” While the IYC defended the protest as a necessary “voice for the unemployed,” Alva joined other veteran leaders in suggesting that such “frivolous behavior” risks tarnishing the nation’s global image. As the Delhi Police continue to investigate a wider conspiracy behind the planned intrusion, Alva’s call for decorum serves as a stern reminder that international stages require a more sophisticated level of political engagement.
Margaret Alva Criticizes ‘Shirtless’ AI Summit Protest
