Politics – BJP Protests Congress Youth Wing Demonstration at AI Summit
Politics – Leaders and workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party staged a protest in central Delhi on Saturday, targeting the Congress party over a demonstration held a day earlier by its youth wing during the AI Impact Summit. The BJP gathering took place near the Congress headquarters on Akbar Road, drawing a visible police presence.
BJP Alleges Damage to National Image
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, BJP supporters criticized the Congress and its senior leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of portraying India negatively at an international platform. Party leaders described the youth wing’s action as irresponsible and said it reflected poorly on the country at a global event.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, who led the protest, said the opposition was unable to acknowledge India’s progress. He alleged that criticism of the central government had crossed into criticism of the nation itself. Lok Sabha MP Manoj Tiwari also joined the protest and echoed similar sentiments, calling the incident deeply regrettable.
Sachdeva, addressing party workers at the site, said that any action that undermines India’s standing during an international summit should be condemned. He claimed that many citizens who take pride in the country’s achievements felt embarrassed by the incident.
Protest March Halted by Police
The BJP workers gathered at Man Singh Road before attempting to march toward the Congress headquarters. However, police had set up barricades in advance and prevented the protesters from moving forward. Security personnel ensured that the situation remained under control, and no major disruption was reported.
Among those present were several senior state-level leaders, including general secretary Vishnu Mittal and MLA Raj Kumar Bhatia. The demonstration remained largely confined to the designated protest area.
Youth Congress Demonstration at Summit Venue
The controversy stems from a protest held on Friday by members of the Indian Youth Congress during the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. According to officials, a group of youth activists staged what was described as a “shirtless protest” inside the exhibition area of the summit venue.
Participants reportedly walked through the venue holding T-shirts carrying slogans critical of the central government and raising concerns over the India-US trade deal. The protest drew attention because it took place during a high-profile international event attended by global leaders and technology experts.
Delhi Police later confirmed that four members of the Indian Youth Congress were arrested in connection with the incident. A senior officer stated that authorities are investigating whether there was any larger plan behind the protest. Further inquiries are currently underway.
International Gathering at Bharat Mandapam
The AI Impact Summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concluded on Friday. The event brought together heads of state, leading figures in artificial intelligence, academic researchers, and executives from major global technology companies. Philanthropists and policy experts were also in attendance, reflecting the summit’s broad international participation.
The gathering focused on discussions around innovation, responsible AI development, and international collaboration in emerging technologies. Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the summit, has hosted several major global events in recent years.
The political fallout from the protest has added a new dimension to what was otherwise a technology-focused international meeting. While the BJP has strongly criticized the Congress youth wing’s actions, further responses from the Congress leadership are awaited.
As investigations continue, authorities have emphasized maintaining order around politically sensitive events, especially those involving international delegates.