Kiren Rijiju on Saturday sharply criticized the Indian Youth Congress over its protest during the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, calling the demonstration a “crime against the nation.”
The remarks came amid escalating political exchanges between the BJP and Congress following the protest, which reportedly involved Youth Congress members staging a shirtless demonstration at the venue while international delegates were in attendance.
‘Not a Mistake, but a Crime’
Addressing reporters, Rijiju said the protest took place while global leaders and technology executives were praising India’s progress in artificial intelligence at the summit.
He described the act as deeply damaging to the country’s global image and accused the Congress party of failing to apologize.
“This is not a mistake; it is a crime,” Rijiju said, arguing that the Congress had committed a serious offense against the nation and its people.
He further alleged that the protest reflected the party’s “frustration” at not being able to win elections or earn public trust.
Allegations Against Congress Leadership
Rijiju also linked the protest to what he described as an “anti-India” viewpoint associated with senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
He criticized Congress leaders for defending the demonstration as an expression of youth anger, stating that invoking “angst among the youth” to justify the protest was inappropriate, particularly during a major international event.
According to Rijiju, matters concerning India’s representation on the global stage should rise above partisan politics.
Political Fallout
The incident has triggered nationwide protests and counter-protests by both parties.
The AI Impact Summit, hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, drew global policymakers, technology leaders, and industry executives to discuss artificial intelligence governance and innovation.
Rijiju emphasized that when it comes to international platforms, political leaders represent the nation collectively, without room for ideological disputes.
The controversy continues to fuel political debate as both parties trade accusations over responsibility and intent.
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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju alleged that members of its youth wing had undertaken the demonstration at the AI Summit inspired by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “anti-India” point of view. (Express File Photo)
