BJP Accuses Himachal CM Sukhu of Being 'Mastermind' in AI Impact Summit Protest Controversy – Demands Central Probe
Shimla, February 28, 2026 – In a sharp escalation of the political row over the India AI Impact Summit 2026 protest, BJP MLA and State Media In-charge Randhir Sharma today launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, alleging his direct involvement and misuse of state machinery.Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Sharma described the February 20 semi-nude (or "shirtless") protest by Youth Congress workers at Bharat Mandapam during the government-hosted global AI summit as a “deeply irresponsible and anti-national act” that damaged India's international image.
The event, attended by representatives from over 100 countries, was meant to highlight India's technological leadership – not serve as a stage for political stunts, he stressed.“This was not a BJP event; it was India's global platform. The protest tarnished the nation's reputation worldwide,” Sharma said.He directly accused CM Sukhu of being the “mastermind” behind the episode, claiming the state government misused legislative procedures to provide political cover. Referring to the Himachal Pradesh Assembly's recent session,
Sharma pointed out that the traditional Motion of Thanks to the Governor's Address was sidelined in favor of a resolution on the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) issue – despite objections from the Opposition Leader.The RDG resolution was debated over three days and passed on February 18, after which the House was abruptly adjourned. “If RDG was genuinely the priority, why didn't the CM travel to Delhi to meet the Prime Minister or Union Finance Minister? Instead, meetings were held with Congress leaders while preparations for the February 20 protest were allegedly underway,” Sharma questioned.He further alleged that protest participants were lodged at Himachal Sadan in Delhi, with bookings arranged through the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) – a fact the CM himself reportedly acknowledged.
“This alone demands a thorough independent investigation into the CMO's role,” he asserted.The controversy deepened with a rare inter-state police confrontation: After Delhi Police registered an FIR and secured transit remand, some accused were allegedly shifted to remote Himachal areas under protection. When Delhi Police arrived to escort them, Himachal Police reportedly obstructed the process and filed an FIR against Delhi officers – raising serious questions about political interference.“This unprecedented clash between two state police forces poses grave constitutional concerns. Was Himachal Police acting under pressure?” Sharma asked, accusing the government of shielding the accused and using the RDG issue as a diversion tactic.
The BJP leader emphasized that the state has compromised the dignity of constitutional offices and called for a high-level central agency probe into the entire matter, including the specific role of the Chief Minister and his office.“Himachal Pradesh is known as a peaceful and patriotic state. It's unfortunate that such actions have undermined its image and the rule of law. The truth must emerge, and accountability must be ensured,” Sharma concluded.
The allegations come amid ongoing arrests in the case (with several Youth Congress workers detained) and a recent dramatic 24-hour standoff between Delhi and Himachal Police, which ended after documentation was shared. BJP has already submitted a memorandum to the Governor on the issue, framing it as a threat to federalism and national prestige.This developing political storm is likely to intensify debates on center-state relations, law enforcement autonomy, and the politicization of global events. Stay tuned for further updates.