NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday joined the chorus of criticism against the Congress party over its “shirtless” protest at the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi, accusing the grand old party of turning a global event into an arena for its “gandi aur nangi” politics.In his address after flagging off the Namo Bharat train, the Prime Minister said, “Congress turned a global event into an arena for its ‘gandi aur nangi’ (dirty and shameless) politics.”Further intensifying his attack on the largest opposition party, he added, “I ask Congress leaders — the nation already knows your true form. What was the need to strip further?”PM Modi’s remarks came days after workers of the party’s youth wing, the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), staged a “shirtless” protest at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the AI Summit in New Delhi.Following the incident, the Congress faced widespread backlash, including criticism from some of its allies and other opposition leaders, who termed the act “inappropriate,” in addition to sharp reactions from the ruling BJP.One of Congress’s key allies, Akhilesh Yadav, also denounced the protest, saying, “They should have refrained from doing something that brings shame to our country in front of foreign delegates and world representatives.”Meanwhile, the Patiala house court sent four IYC workers — Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar and Narsingh — to five days of police custody.During the protest, they were wearing T-shirts with the slogan “India-US Trade Deal Compromised.”The court rejected the bail pleas of all four accused. It said the investigation is at an important early stage and releasing them now could lead to them fleeing or tampering with evidence. The court described the bail request as premature.Delhi Police told the court that the accused raised anti-national slogans and carried out the protest in a way similar to the Gen Z protests in Nepal, allegedly to defame India at an international event. The protest took place when foreign dignitaries were present at Bharat Mandapam.Police have registered a case against them under charges including obstructing a public servant from performing official duty, assaulting a public servant, hate speech, and criminal conspiracy.Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Ravi granted five days of police custody after hearing arguments from Delhi Police and the Additional Public Prosecutor.
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