Akhilesh Yadav Slams Congress Over AI Summit Protest, Says ‘Global Platform Not Appropriate’

• SP chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised Congress over the protest at the India AI Impact Summit.
• Four Youth Congress members were arrested after disruption at Bharat Mandapam.
• A Delhi court has sent the accused to five-day police custody for investigation.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has publicly criticised the Congress over the disruption at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, saying such actions on an international platform were inappropriate. His remarks come amid rising tensions within the opposition INDIA bloc following the protest by Youth Congress workers during the global event in Delhi.

Akhilesh Distances SP From Protest

Reacting to the incident, Akhilesh Yadav said internal political differences may exist but staging protests before foreign delegates and global representatives was not suitable. He suggested that such actions could harm the country's image internationally.

His comments signal growing friction within opposition ranks as parties respond differently to the controversial demonstration at the high-profile summit.

Akhilesh Yadav's key remarks:

• Congress should have avoided protests on a global stage
• Political disagreements should not embarrass the country
• Opposition unity may face strain after the incident
• Youth Congress Workers Arrested

Four Indian Youth Congress members - Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar and Narsingh - were arrested following the disruption at Bharat Mandapam. They allegedly entered the venue wearing T-shirts carrying messages related to the India-US trade deal.

Delhi Police accused them of raising objectionable slogans, obstructing officials and injuring personnel during the scuffle. Investigators also claimed the protest was planned and coordinated across states.

Court Sends Accused To Custody

The Patiala House Court rejected bail pleas and granted five-day police custody of the accused. Police told the court that custodial interrogation was necessary to recover electronic devices, trace funding and identify others allegedly involved.

The court noted that the investigation was at an early stage and said custody was required to prevent tampering with evidence.

Heated Arguments In Court

During the hearing, defence lawyers argued that the accused were exercising democratic rights and that the protest was peaceful. They termed the arrests politically motivated and questioned the need for custodial interrogation.

Prosecutors countered that the protest took place in the presence of international delegates and required a thorough probe to establish the alleged conspiracy and coordination behind the act.