Union Ministers Call AI Summit Disruption an Insult to the Nation, Demand Apology from Congress Chief
BJP Slams Youth Congress Protest at Bharat Mandapam Event
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized the Congress following a protest during the AI Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi condemned the Youth Congress demonstration, alleging that it was an attempt to obstruct India’s development and demanded that the Congress president apologize to the nation.
Speaking to the media, Joshi described the Congress party’s conduct as “reprehensible.” He noted that the summit was attended by 20 heads of state, 45 ministers, and over 104 senior officials from various countries. In total, representatives from more than 150 nations participated in the AI Summit. He also highlighted the presence of leading executives from global technology giants such as Google and Microsoft.
“It is extremely unfortunate that instead of celebrating India’s achievement, they are trying to create disruption and hinder the country’s progress,” Joshi said. He added that as the AI Summit was being held for the first time and India currently ranks third globally in AI innovation and applications, insulting the nation at such a moment is “unforgivable.” He reiterated his demand that the Congress president issue a public apology.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticized the semi-nude protest staged by Youth Congress workers at the summit. Posting on the social media platform X, he said he had expected the Congress party to apologize for what he termed the “shameful conduct” of its youth wing members. “I could not believe my ears when Congress leaders defended this disgraceful behavior. The public has already taught them a lesson,” he wrote.
The controversy erupted during the ‘India AI Impact Summit’ in Delhi on Friday, when several Youth Congress workers allegedly disrupted the event, removed their outer garments as part of the protest, and raised slogans against the government. The Delhi Police later detained several individuals in connection with the incident.
