BJP Launches Nationwide Protests Over IYC's AI Summit Disruption
In a significant escalation of political tensions, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized protests across several Indian cities on Saturday. This action was a direct response to a controversial shirtless protest staged by Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi the previous day.
Protests Erupt in Multiple Cities
BJP workers in Mumbai displayed black flags to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as he arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Gandhi was traveling to Bhiwandi in Thane district for a court appearance related to a 2014 defamation case. Videos from the scene captured protesters chanting, "Rahul Gandhi haye haye," reflecting widespread discontent.
Similar demonstrations were reported in Jaipur, Jammu, and Surat, all targeting the Congress party. In New Delhi, the BJP's Yuva Morcha held a protest where a worker condemned the IYC's actions, stating, "The Indian Youth Congress workers carried out a very shameful incident yesterday... For Rahul Gandhi, AI means anti-India... This protest sends a very wrong signal to the world." The worker demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party to the nation.
Senior BJP Leaders Condemn the Incident
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari emphasized the international embarrassment caused by the protest, noting, "People from more than 80 countries came to the AI Summit, and everyone has wholeheartedly praised India's efforts." He warned that the public would not forgive the Congress for this act.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla launched a scathing attack, accusing the Congress of being "characterless, emotionless, brainless" and anti-national. He claimed that the entire nation is showing black flags to the party, and even their alliance partners are distancing themselves.
Arrests and Legal Actions Intensify
In connection with the protest, four Indian Youth Congress leaders—Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav—were arrested and presented at Patiala House Court under heavy security. Officials confirmed that the detainees are being identified, and appropriate legal measures are being pursued.
The alleged offences could result in punishments of up to seven years. The lawyer for the accused argued that the FIR is politically motivated, noting their affiliation with a political party and their educational backgrounds. However, police stated that anti-national slogans were raised in the presence of international leaders, necessitating custody to apprehend fleeing suspects, investigate further, and recover mobile phones for funding verification. Three officers were reported injured during the incident.
Details of the AI Summit Protest
On Friday, IYC members gained unauthorized entry into Bharat Mandapam and briefly raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The protesters wore or held white T-shirts featuring images of PM Modi and former US President Donald Trump, along with slogans like "India-US Trade Deal" and "PM is compromised," leading to heated exchanges with attendees. Approximately 10 protesters were detained that day.
The Indian Youth Congress defended their actions, describing the protest as the "voice of millions of angry unemployed youth" targeting what they called a "compromised" Prime Minister. They clarified that they are not against the AI Summit itself but vowed to "no longer sit quietly."
The shirtless nature of the protest drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who accused the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating the disruption. The BJP labeled it a "topless, brainless and shameless" ruckus and alleged it was planned at Rahul Gandhi's residence.
