New Delhi: The Congress has come under severe criticism from across the political spectrum for the shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit venue in New Delhi.
Even a section of Congress leaders have accepted that the form of protest may not have been right at an international event.
Congress minister from Karnataka Priyank Kharge said the manner of protest might not have been in the “right spirit”, but added that the ruling dispensation should instead be questioned over the alleged display of Chinese products at the summit.
He also described the summit as “chaotic”, stating that the focus appeared to be on the PM rather than innovators, job creators and industry leaders.
Youth Congress members went semi-nude at the high-profile event held at Bharat Mandapam, resulting in some embarassment for the organisers.
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati termed the protest “disgraceful and reprehensible” and said such conduct at an international event could harm India’s image. She said mai
ntaining the country’s dignity on a global platform should be a priority, as reported by The Tribune.
Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, chief of the YSR Congress, said the incident brought “shame” and questioned the direction of political discourse, adding that differences should not lead to actions that demean the country.
Nara Lokesh of the Telugu Desam Party said he was shocked by the protest. He said turning such an event into a political spectacle diminishes the country’s standing.
Even Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, a strong ally of the Congress, criticised the protest. In a video, circulating on social media, he said creating a ruckus in front of international delegates was not appropriate and that political battles should remain internal matters.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union and Bharatiya Krishak Samaj, also condemned the protest, stating that political differences should be raised through institutional forums rather than at international events.
Meanwhile, the BJP stepped up its attack on the Congress, holding protests in the national capital and other cities. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accused Rahul Gandhi of lowering political standards and said the protest targeted the nation rather than the government. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said people would not forgive the Congress, noting that delegates from over 80 countries had attended the summit and appreciated India’s efforts.