Shimla: Himachal Pradesh BJP state media in-charge and MLA Randhir Sharma on Saturday accused the state govt and chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of being linked to the controversy surrounding the Feb 20 AI Impact Summit-2026 in New Delhi, where Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers had held a shirtless protest.Sharma described the protest as “deeply irresponsible and anti-national”. He said the global event, hosted by the Central govt, was attended by delegates from over 100 countries and aimed at showcasing India’s technological leadership. “Such actions tarnished the country’s image, not any political party,” he stated.
Demanding a high-level Central agency probe into the entire matter, including the role of the CM’s office, he alleged that some protesters were accommodated at Himachal Sadan in Delhi and later shielded in the state after an FIR was filed against them in New Delhi. He also condemned the obstruction by Himachal Pradesh Police during the Delhi Police action in Shimla district to arrest three IYC members. The BJP leader alleged that the chief minister was the “mastermind” behind the episode and misused Assembly procedures for political purposes. Referring to the budget session that began on Feb 16, he claimed established conventions were bypassed in favour of a resolution on the revenue deficit grant, which was debated and passed before the House was abruptly adjourned.
