Babul Supriyo Condemns Youth Congress's Shirtless Protest at AI Summit
Kolkata: In a sharp rebuke, Bengal IT minister Babul Supriyo on Sunday criticized the Indian Youth Congress for staging a shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. Taking to social media platform X, Supriyo emphasized that political disagreements should never compromise the nation's honor and dignity.
Supriyo's Statement on National Image
Supriyo's post, which was shared by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on X, indicating party endorsement, read: "The shirtless protest by members of the Indian Youth Congress at the AI Summit reflects poor judgement. At a forum attended by international leaders and global business figures, such conduct sends the wrong message about our national priorities." He further elaborated, "Democracy guarantees the right to protest but it also demands responsibility. When representing India before the world, partisan theatrics must give way to maturity and restraint."
Contrasting Views Within TMC
However, Supriyo's stance contrasted sharply with that of TMC's Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra. Responding to criticism of the protests on Saturday, Moitra posted on X: "I disagree. Peaceful protest at international events (even badly organised ones) happened globally since one can remember. India was not disgraced by a few young people holding up placards but by shameful disorganisation, delegates walking miles, no water, no clean toilets, Galgotias fiasco, PM grabbing Altman. Let's not miss the woods for the trees." This divergence highlights internal party differences over the handling of the incident.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The protest has sparked a wider debate on political decorum and national representation. Supriyo's comments underscore concerns about how such actions might be perceived internationally, potentially affecting India's image as a serious player in global forums like the AI Summit. Meanwhile, Moitra's rebuttal shifts focus to organizational failures at the event, suggesting that logistical issues posed a greater embarrassment than the protest itself. This exchange reflects ongoing tensions within Indian politics regarding the balance between democratic expression and diplomatic propriety.
