BJP-Led Government Condemns Congress Over AI Summit Disruption
NEW DELHI: The BJP-led central government on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and its leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, following a controversial protest by members of the party's youth wing at the ongoing AI Summit. The incident, described as a "despicable act" by BJP officials, involved around 10 Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers who were detained after briefly raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi inside Exhibition Hall No. 5 at the summit venue.
Police confirmed that the protesters were removed immediately and taken to Tilak Marg police station. A senior police officer stated, "No one will be allowed to breach the law and order situation." This protest has ignited a fierce political war of words, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress of orchestrating the disruption to sabotage India's global image.
'Topless, Brainless, Shameless': BJP's Sharp Criticism
BJP MP Sambit Patra led the charge, labeling Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party as "traitors of the highest order." He remarked, "Wherever the country progresses, wherever happiness prevails, they will surely spoil it. I have only three words for Congress: topless, brainless, shameless." Patra emphasized that the AI summit is a global event, not a BJP gathering, criticizing the Congress for lacking wisdom in their actions.
BJP IT department head Amit Malviya also criticized the protest, stating, "At a time when India is hosting a prestigious global AI Summit, showcasing its innovation and leadership in technology, the Congress party chose disruption over dignity." He alleged that the act was "clearly designed to embarrass India on the world stage" and added, "Political opposition is a democratic right, but sabotaging India's global image is not… India deserves better."
Malviya further claimed that Narsimha Yadav, one of the main organizers of the protest, has pictures with Rahul Gandhi, suggesting the disruption was orchestrated. "Such theatrics on an international stage only damage India’s image and undermine the very platform meant to showcase the country’s technological leadership," he said.
Ministers Demand Apology and Condemn 'Humiliation' of India
Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to "humiliate India." In a post on social media, he wrote, "This is CONGRESS ARROGANCE & FRUSTRATION on display! So, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, humiliating India to target the Government is your idea of opposition!" Goyal added that while Gandhi wants to "CHOKE India's development," his foot soldiers are "marching shirtless at the prestigious AI Summit, attempting to embarrass 140 crore Indians globally."
Defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed disappointment, saying, "While the entire world was watching India host the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and witnessing our growing global leadership in the fields of technology and innovation, the Congress party chose the path of disrupting the event instead of enhancing the nation's honour." He termed the behavior of Youth Congress workers as "shameful" and an attempt to tarnish India's reputation.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the incident, calling for strict action against those responsible. "An attempt has been made to tarnish India's image globally, and we condemn it," he said. Union minister Bhupender Yadav labeled the protest "Absolute shamelessness from Congress!" and stated, "This is not political opposition, this is an attempt at sabotaging India's global image. Despicable."
BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also criticized the Congress, writing, "Shame on Congress Party. Congress behaves like Urban Naxals. Cong is an anti-India party." He alleged that Congress workers stormed the venue and raised "objectionable slogans on the instructions of Rahul Gandhi," demanding that "Rahul Gandhi, Congress and Gandhi-Vadra family should apologise to the country and its youth."
Protest Details and Congress's Defense
The protesters had marched inside the venue wearing or holding white T-shirts bearing images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans such as "India-US Trade Deal," "Epstein Files," and "PM is compromised." This led to heated exchanges with some attendees at the summit.
In response, the Indian Youth Congress defended the protest, stating that its workers were raising their voice against a "compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit." The organization said in an official post, "Instead of leveraging India's talent and data, the AI summit is a disorganised PR spectacle - Indian data up for sale, Chinese products showcased."
This incident has further escalated political tensions between the BJP and Congress, with both sides trading sharp accusations over the protest at the high-profile global event, highlighting deep divisions in Indian politics.
