In the wake of the controversial shirtless protest at the AI Summit, political tensions have escalated between Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress. BJP leaders labeled the protest as “shameful,” sparking a heated debate in media and social platforms. In response, Congress attempted a strategic countermove by sharing an image of Mahatma Gandhi, asserting that the struggle against injustice continues. Party officials argued that the protest symbolized resistance against inequality and could be seen as aligned with Gandhian principles of peaceful civil disobedience. Political analysts note that Congress is attempting to frame the incident as a moral and ideological stand rather than a provocative act. Observers are watching whether this narrative—linking activism to Gandhian philosophy—will help the party defuse criticism and shift focus from the controversial nature of the protest itself. The incident highlights a growing trend of performative politics and symbolic gestures being used to mobilize public opinion, with both parties engaging in a battle of narratives and media messaging.
