BJP Protests Congress Over AI Summit Chaos, Black Flags at Rahul Convoy

February 21, 2026

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers staged protests in Delhi and Mumbai against the Indian National Congress, accusing it of tarnishing India’s image after members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) staged a disruptive protest at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi. During demonstrations, **black flags were shown at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy in Mumbai as a symbol of dissent.

#WATCH | Delhi: BJP leaders and workers hold a protest against the Congress party over the Indian Youth Congress protest at the India AI Impact Summit yesterday pic.twitter.com/AosRwtXfpx

— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2026

Backdrop: Shirtless Protest at AI Summit

The flashpoint was a dramatic shirtless protest by Youth Congress workers inside the AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where demonstrators raised slogans against the government and policies linked to an India-US trade deal. Delhi Police detained several protesters for breach of law and order, escalating tensions between the ruling and opposition parties.

BJP’s Response: National Image & Political Accusations

BJP leaders condemned the protest as ‘shameful’ and an embarrassment on the world stage, with senior party figures accusing Congress of attempting to sabotage a high-profile global event. BJP workers protested outside Rahul Gandhi’s residence in Delhi, condemning the disruption and later continued demonstrations in Mumbai, raising black flags to his convoy as a sign of protest against what they described as irresponsible political conduct.

Congress’s Position & Summit Criticism

Congress leaders defended the protest as a legitimate expression of political dissent, alleging mismanagement at the AI Summit and raising concerns about domestic policies. Party figures, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, criticized the organization of the event and framed their actions as a response to larger political issues.