The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its criticism of the Congress party, alleging that a recent protest at the AI summit resembles acts of treason. Union minister Kiren Rijiju claimed that Rahul Gandhi inspired the demonstrators, particularly the youth affiliated with Congress, who participated in the shirtless protest, asserting that he has consistently denigrated India’s image abroad.
Rijiju labelled the protest as a significant offense against the nation, asserting that Congress aimed to tarnish India’s reputation at a time when the country was being praised for the AI Impact Summit, held under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He suggested that the opposition’s frustrations have escalated due to a failure to secure electoral victories, alleging that this has resulted in Congress adopting an “anti-national” stance. During a press conference, he stated that had Congress possessed even minimal sensitivity to national sentiments, it would have engaged in self-reflection and offered an apology but instead opted to defend the wrongful conduct of its members.
He emphasized the growing discontent among the public towards Congress, describing the party’s reaction to India’s achievements as one of sadness and animosity. The BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi further condemned the protesters, labeling them as “flag-bearers of Lashkar-e-Rahul,” who allegedly sought to damage India’s standing in front of international guests. Trivedi asserted that Congress’s actions constitute more than just negative political tactics, characterizing them as akin to treason.
BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi Over AI Summit Protest, Calls It ‘Shameful’
Trivedi noted that Rahul Gandhi has a history of making disparaging remarks about India on international platforms and stated that the recent protests represent a new level of effort from his supporters to undermine the country’s reputation. He labelled the demonstration at the AI summit as a “shameful display” reflecting Congress’s “pettiness and nakedness.” The BJP’s response illustrates a significant escalation in the political rhetoric surrounding the recent protests, reflecting deepening divisions between the two major political parties in India.