Bharatiya Janata Party workers gathered outside the Congress headquarters in Delhi on Saturday, escalating a political confrontation over disruptions at the India AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam. The protest followed a call by Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, who announced he would lead a march from the Man Singh Road roundabout to 24 Akbar Road to condemn what he described as unruly conduct by Youth Congress members during the technology summit.Police presence was heightened around the Congress office and along key stretches of central Delhi as party workers assembled with placards and party flags. Officers formed barricades to regulate the march and prevent direct confrontation between rival groups. No major injuries were reported, though minor scuffles and heated exchanges were witnessed as slogans were raised against the opposition party.
The confrontation traces back to events at the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, a venue that has hosted high-profile government and international gatherings. Youth Congress members had attempted to stage a demonstration inside or near the venue, criticising the government’s policies on artificial intelligence, data governance and youth employment. BJP leaders characterised the protest as an attempt to disrupt a platform meant to showcase technological ambition and investment opportunities.
Sachdeva, speaking to supporters before the march began, accused the Youth Congress of undermining a forum that he said was designed to project the country’s capabilities in artificial intelligence and digital innovation. He argued that political protests should not intrude upon events that aim to attract global investors and researchers. Party functionaries echoed that view, asserting that the summit was a matter of national prestige and economic strategy rather than partisan politics.
Congress representatives countered that their youth wing was exercising democratic rights by highlighting concerns about data protection, job displacement and transparency in public spending on technology initiatives. They rejected allegations of hooliganism and accused the BJP of inflating the episode to divert attention from substantive policy debates. Senior Congress figures stated that peaceful protest has long been a part of democratic life and questioned the government’s tolerance for dissent at state-backed events.
The India AI Impact Summit forms part of a broader push to position the country as a major player in artificial intelligence, alongside the United States, China and the European Union. Policymakers have outlined plans to expand research funding, incentivise start-ups and integrate AI into sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and public services. Officials have also emphasised ethical frameworks and data safeguards, seeking to balance innovation with accountability.
Industry leaders attending the summit highlighted the scale of opportunity in AI-driven services, particularly in language processing, financial technology and smart infrastructure. Representatives from leading technology firms spoke about partnerships with academic institutions and state agencies to develop indigenous large language models and domain-specific applications. Analysts note that the domestic AI ecosystem has grown rapidly, supported by venture capital flows and government-backed digital public infrastructure.
At the same time, civil society groups and opposition parties have raised questions about regulatory oversight and the social consequences of automation. Concerns centre on data privacy, algorithmic bias and the potential displacement of workers in traditional sectors. Youth organisations argue that discussions about artificial intelligence must include commitments to skills training and job creation, particularly at a time when unemployment among graduates remains a sensitive issue.
Saturday’s march underscored how technology policy has become entangled with partisan rivalry ahead of key electoral contests. BJP leaders framed the Youth Congress action as disruptive politics, while Congress figures depicted the ruling party’s protest as an attempt to intimidate critics. The exchange reflects a wider pattern in which policy debates on digital infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing and start-up incentives are frequently accompanied by sharp political messaging.
Security arrangements around Bharat Mandapam have been strengthened in the past following incidents at major public events, and authorities maintained a visible presence throughout the day. Traffic diversions were implemented along parts of central Delhi to accommodate the march and prevent congestion near diplomatic and administrative zones.