Senior leaders of the Indian National Congress have strongly criticised the arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib, president of the Indian Youth Congress, in connection with a shirtless protest held during the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
Chib was taken into custody by the Delhi Police and later remanded to four days of police custody by a Judicial Magistrate. The arrest followed a protest staged near the summit venue last week. Youth Congress members also demonstrated outside Patiala House Court, raising slogans in support of their leader.
Kharge Accuses BJP of Double Standards
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge defended the youth wing, alleging inconsistency in the criticism directed at the protest. He referred to actions by leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party during the Commonwealth Games, questioning whether similar standards were applied at that time.
Kharge stated that peaceful dissent is a democratic right and urged authorities not to target Youth Congress members. He rejected claims that the protest at an international event was inappropriate, asserting that democratic expression should not be equated with anti-national activity.
Rahul Gandhi Calls Arrest ‘Proof of Dictatorial Tendencies’
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also criticised the arrest, expressing solidarity with the Youth Congress workers. In a post on X, Gandhi described peaceful protest as a constitutional and historical legacy of India.
He said he was “proud” of his “Babbar Sher comrades” and alleged that the arrest reflected “dictatorial tendencies and cowardice.” Gandhi reiterated his criticism of the India–US trade agreement, arguing that it could adversely impact farmers, the textile sector and data sovereignty.
“The Congress Party and I stand firmly with our comrades,” he wrote, adding that speaking truth to power is an act of patriotism.
Family Reacts to Arrest
Chib’s mother, Rajni Bala, expressed pride in her son’s actions. She said that he follows the path of Mahatma Gandhi and, if necessary, could emulate the revolutionary spirit of Bhagat Singh. She maintained that the protesters had committed no crime and framed the demonstration as an expression of national concern.
She also referenced controversy surrounding a presentation at Galgotias University during the summit, questioning why that incident did not draw similar criticism.
Political Tensions Continue
The ruling BJP has described the protest as inappropriate and damaging to India’s global image, particularly at a high-profile international technology event. The Congress, however, maintains that peaceful protest is a democratic right and has accused the government of suppressing dissent.
The incident has intensified political debate over the limits of protest at global forums and the broader discourse around democratic freedoms in India.
