The Samajwadi Party (SP) has demanded a probe and the cancellation of Galgotias University’s recognition. This follows the university’s presentation of a robotic dog at an AI summit. SP legislators argued the incident misrepresented Uttar Pradesh. The robot was displayed as a university innovation at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Critics identified the robot as a Chinese-made product. This led to public backlash online. Summit organizers reportedly asked the university to leave their stall. Galgotias University later apologized. They stated incorrect information was shared by a representative.
SP Raises Issue in UP Assembly
Samajwadi Party members brought the controversy to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. They claimed the display damaged the reputation of Uttar Pradesh and India. SP MLA Sachin Yadav stated the university presented a Chinese product as its own. He called this a “mockery of Uttar Pradesh and the country globally.” Yadav urged a thorough investigation. He questioned how the product was displayed without verification. He blamed the government for a lack of proper checks.
Another SP legislator, Pankaj Malik, emphasized the broader impact. He said the act harmed the country’s name. It would also affect the university’s reputation for future students. Malik called for a probe to identify fault. He argued the Uttar Pradesh government shares responsibility. This is because the university is based in the state. Malik stated that if the university is at fault, its recognition should be canceled. He pushed for a fair and time-bound inquiry.
Assembly Speaker Declines Formal Discussion
The opposition sought to raise the matter. Speaker Satish Mahana did not allow a formal discussion. He noted the summit was not held in Uttar Pradesh. It was also not organized by the state government. Therefore, he ruled it was outside the Assembly’s jurisdiction. Mahana stated the event was organized by the Government of India in Delhi. He maintained only state-linked matters or those within state limits could be discussed.
Later, Deputy Speaker Manju Sivach permitted members to speak on the issue. The controversy arises months after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised Galgotias University. He commended its global rankings and focus on innovation.