New Delhi – A protest by members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) at the India AI Impact Summit on February 20th resulted in the detention of ten individuals, escalating political tensions in the capital. Protesters removed their shirts to display slogans critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government, voicing concerns over unemployment and a proposed India-US trade deal.
The demonstration, which took place on the final day of the five-day summit at Bharat Mandapam, drew immediate condemnation from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP leaders characterized the protest as reckless and damaging to India’s international image, particularly given the presence of prominent figures in the artificial intelligence field, including Sam Altman and Dario Amodei, who had addressed the summit the previous day.
Police allege the protest was pre-planned with the intention of disrupting the summit. Uday Bhanu Chib, the national president of the IYC, was among the eight members arrested on charges including rioting. Chib, however, maintains he was not present at the protest site, a claim disputed by police who have identified him as the “main conspirator” in the incident. Four protesters were remanded to five-day police custody, according to reports.
The Congress party defended the activists’ right to protest, framing the arrests as an attack on democratic dissent. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, publicly supported the protesters, referring to them as “Babbar Sher comrades” and asserting their courage in raising concerns against a “compromised PM.” Gandhi reiterated on social media that peaceful protest remains a democratic right.
Criticism of the summit itself preceded the protest. Gandhi had earlier alleged that the event was a “disorganised PR spectacle” and that “Indian data [was] up for sale,” with “Chinese products showcased.” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also voiced concerns about “large-scale mismanagement” at the summit, citing a lack of basic facilities like food and water for visitors, and exhibitors.
The IYC released a statement claiming its workers were protesting against a Prime Minister who had “traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit.” Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera targeted Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, alleging the summit reflected administrative incompetence.
The incident has sparked debate over the form and appropriateness of the protest, with some observers viewing it as an attempt to draw international attention to the opposition’s concerns, although others have criticized it as ill-conceived. Social media influencers have alleged that the Congress offered money to run down the AI Summit, a claim that remains unverified.
Investigations into the protest and the allegations of disruption are ongoing. As of February 25th, the Congress continues to defend the actions of its youth wing, framing the incident as a legitimate expression of dissent against government policies.
