'All spectacle, no substance': Pawan Khera slams 'AI Impact Summit show’ over long queues, confusion

Visitors crowd to enter a hall at a venue for India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam (Reuters)

• Pawan Khera criticizes AI Summit's poor crowd management
• Attendees faced long queues, overcrowding, and unclear schedules
• Media reported confusion over entry passes and limited workspace

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The opening day of the India AI Impact Summit was marred by confusion and complaints of mismanagement, prompting sharp criticism from Congress leader Pawan Khera and frustration among delegates, entrepreneurs and journalists attending the event.

Khera targeted the Central government over what he described as a mismatch between optics and execution. “All that glitters is not gold,” he wrote on X, alleging that the administration had focused more on presentation than planning. “The government was so desperate to stage a grand ‘show’ at the AI Summit after its recent embarrassment in Parliament that it doubled down on PR management -- while actual management on the ground continues to be awful.”

He further remarked, “All spectacle, no substance,” and added in Hindi, “naam bade aur darshan chhote”.

The summit, projected by officials as a major platform to highlight India’s ambitions in artificial intelligence and amplify the voice of developing nations in global AI governance, is expected to see participation from around 250,000 attendees and will continue until February 20. However, several participants said the first day was overshadowed by overcrowding and unclear arrangements.

Delegates reported long lines at entry points, congested halls and insufficient directional signage. Some said the exhibition area was suddenly vacated for security procedures ahead of high-profile arrivals, leaving them rushing to secure their materials. A few speakers scheduled to participate in panels on Tuesday said they were still waiting for confirmation of session details and final agendas.

Members of the media also described uncertainty around access. Reporters cited confusion between digital QR-based entries and physical passes, with some stating that their promised accreditation cards were not ready. Others pointed to limited workspace and seating arrangements, which made it difficult to conduct interviews and file reports.

Entrepreneur Maitreya Wagh, co-founder of AI voice startup Bolna, took to X to share his experience. “Gates are closed so could not access my own booth at the AI Summit. If you're also stuck outside and wanted to visit the Bola team, dm me,” he wrote. In a follow-up, he added, “We may set up a mini-booth at some Connaught Place cafe.”

Another entrepreneur, Dhananjay Yadav, Co-Founder and CEO at NeoSapien, detailed what he described as a distressing turn of events on the summit’s first day. “Day 1 of the AI Impact Summit turned to be a pain for us,” he posted, explaining that he had attended the event with enthusiasm to support India’s technology ecosystem.

According to Yadav, security personnel arrived around noon to sanitise and cordon off the venue ahead of the Prime Minister’s scheduled visit at 2 pm. “I explained that we’re building India’s first patented AI wearable at NeoSapien and requested a chance to showcase it,” he wrote.

He described inconsistent instructions from officials. “One officer told others to let me stay, and they left. Then another group came and ordered us to leave immediately. Seemed like there was lack of co-ordination between the security itself.”

When he asked whether they should remove their devices, he said they were told, “others are leaving even laptops behind, security will take care.” Trusting the assurance, he left the premises. “Gates were closed from 12–6pm. Much much longer than expected,” he added.

Later, Yadav said, “our wearables were stolen.” Questioning how the incident occurred, he wrote, “If only security and official entourage had access, how did this happen?” Calling the experience “extremely disappointing,” he noted the financial costs incurred for travel, accommodation and booth setup.

The IT ministry did not immediately respond to queries, Reuters reported.