SP Leader's 'Dog' Remark On Galgotias Row Leaves UP Assembly In Splits, Draws Laughter from CM Yogi

Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 16:10 IST

Pandey's remarks on the Galgotias University row drew laughter from both the opposition and the government benches of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.

The recent controversy surrounding the Greater Noida-based Galgotias University over a Chinese robodog at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 led to a light-hearted moment in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly after Samajwadi Party leader Mata Prasad Pandey raised the issue.

Galgotias University faced intense criticism after reports suggested that the Unitree Go2 robotic dog was displayed under the name “Orion," prompting allegations that imported technology was being presented as indigenously developed. A clip went viral showing Galgotias’ Professor Neha Singh introducing the Robodog as ‘Orion’ and saying it was developed by the Centre of Excellence of the institution.

Despite repeated clarifications, the university was asked to vacate its stall at the AI Summit and still continues to be at the centre of memes and ridicule on social media. Several political leaders criticised the institution for bringing “international shame" and humiliation for India at the global summit.

READ MORE: Who Let The (Chinese) Robot Dog Out? How Galgotias University Barked Up The Wrong Tree At AI Summit

Laughter In UP Assembly

However, Pandey’s remarks on the Galgotias row evoked laughter from both the opposition and the government benches after he spoke on the matter. “Lucknow University charges little fee, but just take a look at Galgotias University’s fee. Who knows where they dragged in some stray dog from, claiming they created it," he said.

The opposition bench erupted in laughter after Pandey’s remarks, and even UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath could not control his laughter. Several UP ministers also smiled after Pandey’s remarks.

“When the bill to establish the university came up, we stood up and opposed it. Because this is meant to enrich the capitalists—education will grow less, but their wealth will grow more," he further said.

Galgotias University Row

Meanwhile, Galgotias University earlier issued an apology over the controversy on the display of a Chinese robotic dog at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, saying that a representative provided “factually incorrect information" in haste during the event.

The university was formally asked to vacate its exhibition space at the AI Summit. By Wednesday afternoon, faculty and staff were seen removing their belongings as the pavilion stood empty. Their final stance blamed the fiasco on “unauthorised" and “ill-informed" comments made by Professor Neha Singh, citing her “enthusiasm for being on camera" as the cause for the factual errors.

The wording of the apology itself became the centre of online debate. Many users felt responsibility was being placed on an individual rather than the institution. One widely shared post questioned why a communications professor would be present at the stall if she was not meant to speak to the media.

News india SP Leader's 'Dog' Remark On Galgotias Row Leaves UP Assembly In Splits, Draws Laughter from CM Yogi

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