Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized the Narendra Modi government for what he described as “utter chaos and rank mismanagement” during the India AI Impact Summit, which commenced on February 16, 2026. His remarks came as Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw issued an apology to attendees facing difficulties on the event’s opening day.
In a post on X, Kharge stated that what should have been a global showcase of India’s digital capabilities devolved into disorganization, calling the government “PR hungry.” He expressed concern that founders, exhibitors, and visitors were experiencing distress due to heightened security measures ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit for the inauguration. Kharge also highlighted the lack of basic amenities such as food and water, alongside reports of stolen products, malfunctioning digital systems, and restrictions on personal electronic devices.
What could have been a showpiece AI Summit for the entire world demonstrating the digital & AI capabilities of India, has reportedly turned into utter chaos and rank mismanagement by this “PR hungry” government!
Founders, exhibitors and visitors – all face extreme distress due…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) February 17, 2026
Kharge lamented the national embarrassment caused by governmental incompetence and suggested that the Modi administration could learn from the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS), an event known for its effective organization of large-scale digital and tech gatherings.
In response to the criticism, Vaishnaw addressed a press conference at Bharat Mandapam, the summit venue, asserting that the turnout on the first day was “phenomenal.” He reassured participants that corrective measures had been implemented to enhance the experience for the remaining days of the summit. “This is the biggest AI summit in the entire world. The response is phenomenal. The energy is palpable. We can see the organization is very smooth now. If anybody faced any problems yesterday, we apologize for that,” he stated.
Vaishnaw further noted that a “war room” had been established to promptly handle grievances and operational issues arising during the summit, indicating a commitment to improving the situation as the event progresses.
The India AI Impact Summit is positioned as a significant event in the global tech calendar, aimed at showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence and technology. As AI continues to reshape industries worldwide, the effectiveness of such summits in promoting innovation and collaboration remains crucial. The contrasting experiences highlighted by Kharge and Vaishnaw underscore the challenges faced by organizers and the pressing need for seamless execution in high-stakes environments.
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