BJP Condemns Rahul Gandhi Over AI Summit Protest Remarks
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp critique on Tuesday against Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, for his recent comments supporting a protest by Youth Congress workers. The incident occurred during the AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi last month, sparking a significant political controversy.
Political Row Erupts Over Shirtless Protest
A political dispute flared up after Youth Congress activists staged a shirtless demonstration against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the AI Impact Summit. The tension escalated when Rahul Gandhi publicly backed the protest on Monday during the OBC Congress Women's National Wing Convention, as reported by ANI.
In a social media post, BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a video of Rahul Gandhi stating, "Yaha pe abji jo summit hua tha. Kar diya kaam Youth Congress walo ne." Malviya responded by saying, "Rahul Gandhi proudly declared, 'Kar diya kaam Youth Congress walo ne', after Youth Congress workers staged a naked protest to disrupt the prestigious AI Summit in Delhi, embarrassing India on a global platform."
BJP Leaders Voice Strong Criticism
Malviya further emphasized the irony of the situation, noting that while global technology experts were discussing artificial intelligence's future, the Congress party chose disruption. He referenced Jawaharlal Nehru, contrasting his views on national character with the protest's nature.
BJP MP Sambit Patra also joined the criticism, labeling Rahul Gandhi as the architect of the Youth Congress' shirtless protest. At a press conference in Delhi, Patra remarked, "When the AI Summit was held at the Bharat Mandapam, where representatives from several nations came, Indian innovators held seminars. There was a wave saying, India is a shining star in the world of AI. However, Youth Congress leaders held a demonstration, and the BJP called it a topless, brainless and shameless protest. This was not a coincidence, but an experiment."
Patra accused Rahul Gandhi of accepting responsibility with a "traitor-like laugh" and linked the protest to external influences, stating it "came out of Soros' garage and reached Rahul Gandhi's residence."
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
Meanwhile, the Patiala House Court has reserved its order on the bail pleas of three Indian Youth Congress workers—Divyansh Girdhar, Bhudev Sharma, and Kuber Meena—who are in judicial custody related to the AI Summit protest case. This development adds a legal dimension to the ongoing political feud.
The BJP's condemnation highlights concerns about India's international image during high-profile events, framing the protest as an act that undermines national dignity. The controversy continues to unfold, with both sides entrenched in their positions, reflecting deeper political divisions in the country.
