'Not The Right Place For Protest': Eyewitness Slams Youth Congress's Demonstration At AI Summit

Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 14:56 IST

An eyewitness at the AI Impact Summit criticised the Indian Youth Congress protest inside Bharat Mandapam, saying demonstrations at an international AI event harmed India’s image.

An eyewitness at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 has slammed the protest staged by Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers inside Bharat Mandapam, saying demonstrations at a global technology event projected a negative image of the country and disrupted proceedings meant to showcase India’s artificial intelligence ambitions.

Sumit Patni, who was present at the venue as a visitor, said the protest was misplaced given the international nature of the summit and the presence of foreign delegates, industry leaders and policymakers.

“I feel this is not the right place to hold such a protest. It gives a bad image to the country. This is not a place for protest, where India is holding an international event and talking about AI. Such a protest should not happen," he said.

He added that the incident unfolded suddenly while visitors were engaged at the exhibition booths.

“I was standing at a booth when I heard sloganeering against the honourable Prime Minister by some. We understood their intent of the protest was to create a ruckus," he said.

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