The disruption occurred in one of the primary exhibition halls, where approximately ten IYC activists suddenly removed their shirts and began chanting slogans, including "PM is compromised." The protesters carried white T-shirts featuring the images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling their dissent against recent India-US trade agreements and the "Pax Silica" declaration. Security personnel acted swiftly to contain the ruckus, escorting the group out of the hall before detaining them at the Tilak Marg police station.
In a formal statement released shortly after the incident, the Indian Youth Congress defended the demonstration, alleging that the Prime Minister had "traded the country’s identity" and compromised national interests for corporate gain. This sentiment echoed earlier criticisms from Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who had characterized the five-day summit as a "disorganized PR spectacle" and raised concerns regarding the sovereignty of Indian data. The opposition maintains that while technology is vital, the current administration’s policies favor foreign interests over the welfare of India’s youth and farmers.
The government and the BJP launched a scathing counter-offensive, branding the protest a "national shame." Senior ministers, including Piyush Goyal and Rajnath Singh, accused the Congress of attempting to sabotage India’s global reputation at a time when leaders from the UN and global tech firms were in attendance. BJP spokespersons argued that the "topless" display was a deliberate attempt to embarrass the nation on the world stage, labeling the act as "anti-India" and "characterless." They contended that the Congress had chosen "disruption over dignity," prioritizing partisan optics over the country’s technological aspirations.
Delhi Police officials have confirmed that legal action is being initiated against the detainees. Investigators are currently verifying how the protesters breached the high-security perimeter, specifically looking into whether they used valid delegate passes or QR codes to gain entry. As the summit concludes, the incident has left a lingering shadow over the event’s closing ceremonies, highlighting the deep-seated political polarization that continues to permeate India’s journey toward becoming a global AI hub.
About The Author
Comment List