The Aryavarth Express New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday strongly criticised the Indian National Congress following a protest by Indian Youth Congress activists at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit.
Several Youth Congress workers staged a dramatic demonstration, removing their shirts as a mark of protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the AI Summit. Police later detained some of the protesters, and legal action is reportedly being initiated.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla described the protest as “characterless, brainless and emotionless,” alleging that it targeted India’s achievements rather than the government.
“Congress has once again proven that for them, AI stands for anti-India. The AI Summit is being praised globally — from French President Emmanuel Macron to global tech leaders like Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai. Even Congress leader Shashi Tharoor called it excellent. Yet, at the behest of Rahul Gandhi, the party is protesting,” Poonawalla said.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also criticised the Congress, accusing it of behaving like “Urban Naxals” and demanding an apology to the nation.
In response, the Indian Youth Congress said its members were protesting against what it termed a “compromised Prime Minister” and alleged that the government had “traded the identity of the country” at the AI Summit.
The protest follows remarks by Rahul Gandhi, who criticised the organisation of the summit and alleged that instead of leveraging India’s talent and data, it had become a “PR spectacle.” He claimed Indian data was being put at risk while foreign products were being showcased.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also alleged mismanagement of the summit, claiming that what could have been a showcase event for India’s digital and AI capabilities turned into “utter chaos.” In a post on X, he said visitors and exhibitors reportedly faced difficulties due to inadequate arrangements, including lack of food and water.
The India AI Impact Summit, being held at Bharat Mandapam, has drawn participation from global leaders, policymakers and technology executives. Amid the political exchange, authorities continue to monitor the situation following the protest at the venue.
