Akhilesh Yadav Targets Centre Over AI Summit Chaos in Delhi

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the central government over what he described as poor management during the India AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi. He alleged that the high-profile event triggered severe traffic congestion across the city, causing inconvenience to commuters, particularly students appearing for board examinations.

The summit, which brought together policymakers, technology leaders and global experts to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in India, was expected to highlight innovation and digital progress. However, according to Yadav, the arrangements surrounding the event created widespread disruption on the ground.

In a detailed post on social media, the SP leader pointed out that despite an apology from Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding issues faced during the first day of the summit, residents continued to face problems. He remarked that authorities may now need to apologise for the traffic gridlock that affected large parts of the capital.

Yadav emphasised the difficulties faced by students and parents who were stuck in traffic during an important examination period. With board exams underway, many families rely on timely travel to ensure students reach exam centres without stress. Prolonged congestion, he argued, added unnecessary anxiety and disrupted schedules.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also accused the ruling establishment of inadequate planning while organising large-scale public events. He alleged that such programmes often prioritise optics and publicity over practical arrangements, resulting in inconvenience for ordinary citizens.

Traffic congestion is a recurring challenge in Delhi during major events, VIP movements and international conferences. Authorities typically issue advisories and implement diversions to manage vehicular movement. However, sudden road closures and heavy security arrangements can still lead to delays and commuter distress.

The India AI Impact Summit aims to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The platform is intended to promote collaboration between government bodies, technology companies, researchers and startups, while encouraging responsible AI development.

Yadav’s remarks have added a political dimension to the discussion, drawing attention to the need for better coordination between event organisers, law enforcement agencies and civic authorities. Observers note that smoother planning and clearer public communication could help minimise disruptions during large gatherings in the national capital.

As Delhi continues to host global events and policy forums, the debate highlights the importance of balancing international engagements with the daily needs of residents, particularly during critical periods such as examination seasons.