A dramatic protest at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi has sparked a political firestorm, with a viral photo placing Youth Congress activist Narasimha Yadav at the center of the controversy. The image, showing Yadav alongside Rahul Gandhi during a padyatra, has been widely shared by BJP leaders, who accuse him of stripping off his clothes in a disruptive stunt at the high-profile tech event.
The summit, held at Bharat Mandapam, aims to showcase India’s leadership in artificial intelligence. But chaos erupted when protesters, allegedly linked to Youth Congress, began chanting slogans and removing their shirts, drawing sharp condemnation from attendees and organizers alike. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya was quick to connect the dots, posting the photo on X with a scathing caption.
“No doubt this disruption was premeditated,” Malviya wrote. “Such antics on an international stage only tarnish India’s image and undermine a platform meant to highlight our technological prowess.” He emphasized that while political dissent is democratic, embarrassing the nation globally crosses a line.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari amplified the claims, labeling Congress an “anti-India party” and alleging Rahul Gandhi mobilized workers to sabotage the event. Eyewitnesses at the summit recounted the scene: a young woman described seeing protesters shirtless and shouting before security escorted them out. Another visitor called it an inappropriate spectacle at what he termed the “Kumbh of AI,” vital for India’s future.
The incident raises questions about political motivations amid India’s push for AI innovation. As social media buzzes, the opposition faces mounting pressure to respond, while BJP leverages the moment to portray Congress as obstructive. With global eyes on India’s tech ambitions, such disruptions threaten to overshadow genuine progress.