Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Rajnath Singh sharply criticized the Congress party regarding a protest organized by the Indian Youth Congress during the AI Impact Summit in Delhi on February 20. They accused the party of seeking to tarnish India’s international reputation and diminishing the nation’s prestige as it showcased its advancements in technology.
Chouhan labeled the demonstration as an anti-India act, questioning the commitment of Congress leadership, particularly Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, to national interests. He expressed concerns over whether political ambitions had overshadowed the nation’s honor.
Chouhan condemned the protestors’ actions, which included public displays of dissent, asserting that such behavior represented a betrayal to the nation. He questioned the motivations of Congress leaders, stating, “Is politics bigger than the country for them? Have they signed a secret deal to play with the country’s prestige? The public will not forgive this.” His remarks emphasized that the actions of the Congress party distracted from India’s accomplishments on the global stage.
Defence Minister Criticizes Congress Conduct
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh further criticized the protest, highlighting the timing of the unrest during an important international event. He expressed disappointment over the Congress party’s decision to disrupt the summit rather than honor the nation’s achievements. Singh described the actions of the Youth Congress as shameful and detrimental to India’s global standing. He noted, “While the entire world was watching India host the AI Impact Summit, the Congress party chose to disrupt the event instead of enhancing the nation’s honor.” His comments were made public via a social media post.
Singh remarked that actions like those of the Congress party reflect a pattern of prioritizing political interests over national pride. He emphasized the importance of recognizing who stands firm with national interests versus those attempting to undermine India’s image on the international front. He stated, “It is extremely regrettable to place partisan politics above the nation’s prestige and honor.” The protest unfolded as attendees were witnessing India’s rise as a leader in technology and innovation.
Background of the Protest
The situation escalated when Youth Congress workers staged a protest at Bharat Mandapam, where the AI Impact Summit was being held. During this demonstration, some activists removed their shirts to signify dissent. In a statement released by the Indian Youth Congress, they claimed their protest was against a “compromised Prime Minister” and asserted that the summit’s organization was subpar. Following the protest, police detained several individuals involved.
Indian Youth Congress communications emphasized that their actions were a response to what they view as a neglectful approach by the Prime Minister regarding India’s identity at the summit. This unrest followed comments by Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who criticized the government’s management of the event, suggesting that it failed to effectively utilize India’s talent and resources during the summit.
Congress Leaders React to Summit Management
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also voiced his discontent with the summit’s organization, stating that it devolved into “utter chaos.” He noted that visitors and exhibitors faced difficulties, including inadequate access to basic amenities like food and water. Kharge remarked on social media about the event that was supposed to showcase India’s digital capabilities but instead became an example of mismanagement from the government. His statement indicated that the summit did not meet its potential as a demonstration of India’s advancements in artificial intelligence.
In light of the protest and subsequent comments from Congress leaders, some of the demonstrators were detained by the Delhi Police, with indications that legal proceedings against them might follow. The situation reflects ongoing political tensions around significant national events and the role of political parties in assessing governmental performance.