Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, accusing it of misusing the AI Impact Summit platform for what he described as “gandi aur nangi” (dirty and naked) politics. The Prime Minister alleged that instead of engaging in constructive dialogue about the future of artificial intelligence and technological innovation, Congress leaders chose to politicize the event for partisan gains.
Speaking at a public gathering, PM Modi emphasized that the AI Impact Summit was designed as a forward-looking initiative to deliberate on India’s technological growth, ethical AI frameworks, digital governance, and innovation ecosystems. According to him, such forums are meant to unite policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and youth in shaping India’s digital future.
However, he claimed that Congress attempted to derail meaningful discussions by making politically charged remarks and targeting the central government. “The country is moving ahead in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and innovation. But some people cannot rise above politics,” he said, adding that national platforms should not be reduced to political battlegrounds.
The Prime Minister further highlighted India’s achievements in digital transformation, including rapid expansion of digital public infrastructure, advancements in AI research, and growing global partnerships. He stressed that India is emerging as a global technology hub and that events like the AI Impact Summit help strengthen collaboration between the government and private sectors.
PM Modi also urged opposition parties to participate responsibly in discussions related to emerging technologies. He argued that AI presents both opportunities and challenges — from job transformation to ethical concerns — and requires bipartisan cooperation. Instead of “negative politics,” he said, leaders should work collectively to ensure that AI benefits all citizens.
The Congress party, meanwhile, has maintained that raising concerns about governance, transparency, and policy direction is part of democratic discourse. Party representatives have defended their remarks at the summit, stating that technology and governance are interconnected and deserve scrutiny.
Political analysts view the exchange as part of the broader narrative battle ahead of upcoming elections. The AI Impact Summit, while centered on technology, has inadvertently become a stage for political messaging.
Despite the controversy, experts believe the core issues surrounding AI — such as data privacy, regulatory frameworks, skill development, and innovation funding — remain critical to India’s future. Many stakeholders hope that the political friction does not overshadow the importance of building a robust and inclusive AI ecosystem.
The Prime Minister concluded his remarks by reaffirming his government’s commitment to innovation-driven growth and calling upon all parties to prioritize national progress over political rivalry.