Political Leaders Condemn Congress Workers' Topless Protest at AI Summit
In a significant political development, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national president Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav have strongly criticized the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) for a controversial protest that occurred at the Global AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The protest, which involved workers demonstrating without shirts, has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition leaders who called it an insult to the nation's dignity.
Yadav's Criticism of Ally Congress
Akhilesh Yadav, whose Samajwadi Party is an ally of the Congress in Uttar Pradesh and part of the INDIA opposition bloc, expressed his disapproval on Saturday. "Creating a ruckus by Congress workers was wrong and I am not in favour of it," Yadav stated clearly. He emphasized that while the opposition recognizes the government's alleged dishonesty, such protests are not the appropriate method of dissent.
"We know this government lies, it cheats, but we will fight it out internally. Now, everybody knows that BJP lies but this kind of protest should not have been there which insults our country in front of foreign delegates and countries," the SP leader added, highlighting the international embarrassment caused by the incident.
Mayawati's Strong Condemnation
BSP chief Mayawati was even more direct in her criticism, describing the protest as "highly indecent and condemnable." She noted that reports indicated the protesters were youth members of the Congress party who demonstrated in what she termed a "half-naked" state.
"The AI Impact Summit in New Delhi had prominent people from country and abroad present and made headlines internationally," Mayawati pointed out, underscoring the global attention the event received. "If it was not an international conference, it would have been a different matter, but such behavior during the summit is a matter of concern. It would be appropriate if the dignity and image of our country is not tarnished," the BSP leader asserted, calling for maintaining national prestige during international gatherings.
Context and Implications
The protest occurred just one day before the political leaders issued their statements, creating immediate backlash within opposition circles. The incident has exposed tensions within the INDIA bloc, particularly between the Congress and its allies who are now publicly criticizing the party's methods of protest.
Key aspects of this development include:
- The protest took place at a high-profile international AI summit attended by domestic and foreign delegates
- Both Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav emphasized the importance of maintaining India's dignity on global platforms
- The criticism comes despite political alliances, suggesting internal disagreements within opposition ranks
- The incident has raised questions about protest methods and their appropriateness during international events
This public condemnation from allied parties represents a significant moment in Indian opposition politics, highlighting divisions over strategy and decorum even among groups united against the ruling BJP government.
