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Kerala MP Defends AI Summit Protests, Stating 'Dissent Essential in Democracy'
Kerala MP Defends AI Summit Protests
Shafi Parambil, a Kerala Member of Parliament from the Indian National Congress, actively defended the Youth Congress protests held recently near the venue of the AI Summit. He emphasized that expressing dissent is an indispensable element in a democratic society. In an interview with NDTV, MP Parambil stated, "There is always space for dissent in any kind of event or summit."
He stressed that protests are a common occurrence at major international events, recalling instances of demonstrations due to corruption or other issues at past Commonwealth Games, FIFA World Cups, and G20 Summits. He added that the government should not criminalize peaceful dissent, noting that the recent protest was non-violent and caused no damage to public property.
Criticism of Government's AI Summit Mismanagement
MP Parambil sharply criticized the government, stating that it was not the protests but the government's incompetent management of the AI Summit that overshadowed India's potential. He pointed to Chinese-made robots gaining attention at the event, highlighting the government's reliance on external technology rather than India's own technological capabilities.
He questioned, "Who mismanaged this conference?" and pointed out issues even in minor aspects such as transportation, food, and water. He argued that this ultimately failed to showcase India's future technological potential and instead diminished the event's value.
Emphasis on Rahul Gandhi's Efforts to Connect with Youth
MP Parambil firmly refuted the BJP's criticism that Rahul Gandhi is 'misleading' Gen Z. He emphasized that Rahul Gandhi is not 'misleading' young people but rather striving to understand their aspirations and actively communicate with them.
He explained that Rahul Gandhi has never incited violence or supported undemocratic protests, always presenting a profound vision on the future, the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data, and urging government accountability. MP Parambil added that through these efforts, Rahul Gandhi is firmly connecting with the younger generation.
*Source: YouTube: NDTV (March 12, 2026)*
