Shamsher hits back at BJP, defends youth protest at AI Summit in New Delhi

JAMMU: AICC Member, Bharat Yatri and senior Congress leader Indian National Congress leader Shamsher Chand has strongly countered the criticism levelled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the recent protest by Congress youth activists during the AI Summit in New Delhi.

Responding to BJP’s remarks against the shirtless protest staged by Congress youth activists, Shamsher Chand said that peaceful protest is a democratic right guaranteed under the Constitution of India. He asserted that when voices of the youth are ignored and their concerns remain unaddressed, symbolic and peaceful demonstrations become a legitimate means of drawing attention to pressing public issues.

He stated that instead of questioning the form of protest, the BJP should reflect on the issues being raised by the youth. “The Congress party stands firmly with the aspirations of young Indians. The protest was a symbolic expression of frustration against policies that, according to many young people, have failed to generate adequate employment opportunities and meaningful engagement in emerging sectors like Artificial Intelligence,” he said.

Shamsher Chand further alleged that the BJP is attempting to divert attention from substantive issues by politicizing the manner of protest. “Democracy thrives on dialogue, dissent, and debate. Suppressing or ridiculing peaceful demonstrations only weakens democratic values,” he remarked.

He emphasized that the Indian National Congress has a long history of standing up for democratic rights and encouraging constructive engagement. He urged the government to address the concerns of the youth meaningfully rather than targeting opposition voices.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to democratic principles, Shamsher Chand said the Congress will continue to raise issues related to employment, education, and technological advancement in the interest of the nation’s youth.