Imphal : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Manipur Pradesh unit, on Thursday strongly criticised a protest staged by workers of the Indian Youth Congress during a high-profile Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit, terming it an attempt to tarnish India’s image before the international community.

Addressing the media, BJP Manipur spokesperson M. Asnikumar Singh alleged that the demonstration during the summit amounted to “indecent theatrics” at a time when India was hosting delegates, policymakers and technology leaders from across the globe.

“This summit is a moment of immense national pride. With participation from over 100 countries and the presence of globally respected technology leaders, India is showcasing its extraordinary innovation, talent and leadership in Artificial Intelligence,” Singh said.

“The world is engaging with India as a leading economic and intellectual powerhouse, shaping conversations on the future of technology and governance. Protesting during such a major event is shameful.”

Singh contended that the protest sent a negative message internationally and undermined the significance of the global platform. He further alleged that the Congress party’s actions reflected an inability to acknowledge India’s growing stature in emerging technologies.

Without elaborating on the specific demands raised by the Youth Congress protesters, the BJP leader described the agitation as an act of political desperation rather than constructive opposition. He maintained that events of strategic and international importance should be insulated from partisan politics.

Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Singh alleged that the party appeared more focused on provocation than substantive policy engagement.

The BJP reiterated that national interest must take precedence during international events and called upon opposition parties to exercise restraint in matters that, it said, concern India’s global credibility and diplomatic engagement.