Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong disapproval of the Congress party’s protest during the India AI Impact Summit, labeling it as a demonstration of “dirty and naked politics.” Speaking at a public assembly in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, on February 22, he addressed the Congress leaders’ unconventional protest, which took place on February 20 at the summit held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
PM Modi stated that certain political factions are unable to accept India’s achievements, and he emphasized the significance of the AI conference, highlighting that delegates from over 80 nations participated.
Global Recognition of India’s Progress
He asked the audience whether they felt a sense of pride in India’s hosting of the largest AI conference and noted that nearly 20 heads of state attended the event. Modi contrasted this national pride with what he described as the Congress party turning this global platform into a showcase for their own political tactics. He remarked that Congress leaders appeared inappropriately dressed in front of international guests and questioned why they felt the need to undertake such actions. Modi interpreted this behavior as indicative of the Congress party’s ideological decline and noted their diminished stature in Indian politics.
Accusations of Disrespect
Further criticising the Congress, Modi underlined that the AI Global Summit was meant to be a national celebration rather than a BJP-centric gathering. He pointed out that no BJP representatives were present during the protests and accused the Congress party of undermining the integrity of an event designed to demonstrate India’s advancements in technology. The Prime Minister stated that the entire nation is condemning the Congress’s actions, which he deemed corrupt.
Responses to Personal Attacks
Modi also claimed that Congress leaders are resorting to personal attacks against him, stating that their animosity extends to negative comments about his family. The protests, he noted, were an attempt to criticize his leadership and involvement in the India-US trade agreement discussions.
Focus on International Partnerships
Shifting the conversation to India’s growing international stature, Modi asserted that developed nations are now eager to establish trade agreements with India, indicating a rising global confidence in the country. He recalled a time when foreign nations hesitated to engage with India due to corruption during the Congress administration. Today, according to Modi, India is seen as capable of addressing contemporary global challenges.
Infrastructure Development Contrast
On the infrastructure front, he compared the progress in metro projects under the BJP government to that of the previous Congress-led regime, noting that metro services have expanded from five cities to more than 25 under current governance. Modi claimed that while previous governments were mired in corruption, his administration has focused on self-reliance and genuine development.
Development Priorities in Uttar Pradesh
He highlighted various local stakeholders, including farmers and textile workers in western Uttar Pradesh, as supporters of the BJP’s development initiatives. Modi criticized the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and BSP for their continued engagement in what he termed “toxic politics,” reiterating that his party’s chief goal remains development. He provided examples of this commitment, specifically mentioning the Meerut Metro project.
Inauguration of New Projects
Earlier that day, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat Train at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station and subsequently rode the metro to Meerut South Station, where he interacted with students. Accompanying Modi were Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, UP BJP President and Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary, along with various officials. In total, Modi inaugurated and dedicated several development projects in Meerut valued at approximately Rs 12,930 crore.