UP Speaker rejects SP demand to discuss Galgotias robot row

“The programme was organised by the Government of India in Delhi and participants came from across the country. It neither took place within the territorial limits of Uttar Pradesh nor was it organised by the Uttar Pradesh government. Therefore, there is no question of discussing it in the UP Assembly,” Mahana said.

Galgotias University professor Neha (L); and the robodog the university displayed during the AI summit (R). (Express photo)

He maintained that only matters directly related to the state government or those occurring within the state’s jurisdiction can be admitted for discussion in the Assembly.

SP members countered that since the institution involved belongs to Uttar Pradesh, the issue deserved attention in the House and accountability should be fixed. Despite the Opposition’s insistence, the Speaker did not allow the discussion, maintaining that it does not fall under its jurisdiction and asked the House to proceed with its scheduled business.

The row erupted after the Galgotias University showcased a Chinese-made robot dog as its own during the ongoing India AI Expo, co-located within the AI Impact Summit in Bharat Mandapam. After Galgotias University was asked to vacate its booth at the ongoing expo, the institution issued a public apology on Wednesday saying confusion had been created after one of its representatives provided “factually incorrect information” while manning the pavilion.