Bengaluru, 18 Feb

Amid the Galgotia University robodog controversy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of “copy-paste” politics.

In a post on X, he said: “First, they copied UPA schemes and Congress guarantees and rebranded them as their own grand vision. Now, even technology is copy-paste. As the leader, so the follower. And India’s reputation suffers. That is the real shame.” He further alleged that the Modi government does not believe in “Make in India” but in “Fake in India”.

The remarks come amid criticism over the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 in the capital. Karnataka Minister for Electronics Priyank Kharge accused organisers of mishandling the event, claiming that innovators invited to showcase their work were asked to leave.

“When we call builders, innovators and inventors to a so-called global platform, we should behave like it. You cannot throw out people you invited for a PR stunt,” he told ANI, adding that some foreign delegates were withdrawing.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also attacked the Centre, alleging that what could have been a “showpiece” AI Summit had turned into “utter chaos”. He claimed exhibitors and visitors faced extreme distress, including a lack of food and water, and alleged instances of product theft. He further criticised the Prime Minister’s presence on the first day as a “photo opportunity”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the five-day Summit at Bharat Mandapam, describing it as a platform to advance inclusive and trusted AI.

Over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers and 500 global AI leaders are attending.