Galgotias University Under Fire in UP Assembly, Opposition Seeks Probe

February 20, 2026

Galgotias University has been thrust into political controversy after the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly demanded a probe into its conduct at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Samajwadi Party (SP) MLAs raised concerns in the House about how technology showcased by the university was misrepresented at the summit.

The opposition members argue that actions attributed to the private university have broader implications for the state’s reputation, educational integrity and accountability of private institutions operating within Uttar Pradesh.

 Row Erupts Over Robotic Dog Demonstration

The controversy began after a robotic dog displayed at Galgotias University’s stall during the India AI Impact Summit was presented as an indigenous innovation developed by the institution a claim quickly challenged online and by observers. In fact, the robot was identified as a Chinese-made Unitree Go2 model, widely available commercially, not a campus-developed product.

Social media users and commentators pointed out that the initial claim misled audiences about the university’s research capabilities, prompting organizers to ask the Galgotias stall to vacate the summit grounds following backlash.

 Opposition Demands Investigation

During proceedings in the state assembly, SP legislators Sachin Yadav and Pankaj Malik sought a formal inquiry into the matter, arguing that the incident has damaged the credibility of both the university and the state on national and international stages. They highlighted the need for a time-bound investigation to ascertain responsibility and consider disciplinary action if claims are proven true.

Malik emphasized that the issue relates not only to one institution but also to the future of students and the quality of education, urging the government to act under its responsibility to ensure higher education institutions uphold academic and scientific integrity.

 Procedural Hurdles in Assembly

Initially, the assembly Speaker Satish Mahana rejected the Opposition’s request to debate the matter under Rule 56, saying the AI summit was held outside Uttar Pradesh and not organized by the state government, thus placing it outside the assembly’s jurisdiction.

However, members continued discussions under a calling-attention motion, pressing for accountability and greater scrutiny of how private educational institutions represent technological achievements.