Congress Terms AI Impact Summit a ‘Disorganised PR Spectacle’, Targets Centre
Rahul Gandhi alleges mismanagement and data concerns amid controversy over robotic dog display at Bharat Mandapam
New Delhi, Feb 18: The Congress on Wednesday intensified its attack on the Centre over the ongoing AI Impact Summit in the national capital, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi describing the event as a “disorganised PR spectacle.”
In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that instead of harnessing India’s talent and data strength, the summit had turned into a platform where “Indian data is up for sale” and foreign products were being showcased. His remarks came amid a controversy involving Galgotias University over the display of a robotic dog at the expo.
The row erupted after critics claimed that the robotic dog presented at the summit was a Chinese made product. Following the backlash, reports citing government sources said the university had been asked to vacate its stall at the expo venue at Bharat Mandapam.
However, a faculty member from the university refuted the claims, stating that the institution had never described the robotic dog as its own invention. According to the university, the equipment was being used as part of an AI programming initiative aimed at giving students practical exposure to globally available technologies.
The Congress party also criticised the government and Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, alleging that the controversy had dented India’s image in the field of artificial intelligence. In a statement, the party claimed the situation was “embarrassing” and accused the Centre of mishandling an area where India has significant potential.
The AI Impact Summit, currently underway in New Delhi, has drawn participation from policymakers, industry leaders and global stakeholders to discuss innovation, governance and the societal implications of artificial intelligence.
