New Delhi, February 17 – Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday alleged "complete chaos and poor management" at the India-AI Impact Summit, being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
He claimed that participants and organizers are facing numerous challenges, including a ban on personal electronic devices and bags, as well as the requirement to use cash instead of digital and UPI payments.
He further suggested that the Modi government "should learn" from the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS).
In a post on X, Kharge said, "What could have been a showcase AI Summit for the entire world, demonstrating India's digital and AI capabilities, has reportedly turned into complete chaos and poor management by this 'PR-hungry' government!"
"Founders, exhibitors, and visitors – all are facing extreme distress due to the Prime Minister's impromptu visit for a photo opportunity on the very first day," he added.
The Congress chief further alleged, "Exhibitors are left without food and water, their products are stolen, Digi Yatra miserably fails, laptops, personal electronic devices, and even bags are prohibited, only cash is accepted instead of digital/UPI payments, and organizers are made to pay huge sums without basic facilities, among many other reasons of distress."
He said that it is "extremely unfortunate" that India has to "suffer this global embarrassment due to the incompetence of our own government."
"Perhaps the Modi Govt should learn from the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS), which is an annual feature in smoothly organizing such large-scale Digital & Tech congregations," Kharge added.
The AI Impact Summit is an international summit on artificial intelligence, being held in New Delhi from February 16-20.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the summit is anchored in three 'Sutras' – 'People, Planet and Progress' – which articulate India's framework for international cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
The event aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and subject-matter experts from across the world to deliberate on the future direction of Artificial Intelligence.
According to the MEA, ministerial delegations from more than 45 countries will also participate in the summit. The United Nations Secretary-General and senior representatives from several international organisations are slated to join the discussions.
