Rahul Gandhi Backs Youth Congress Protesters, Calls Arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib ‘Undemocratic’
New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday voiced strong support for members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) following the arrest of its national president Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with protests during the AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam. Gandhi said peaceful protest is a democratic right and praised the youth wing for raising their voices.
In a post on X, Gandhi described the detained members as his “Babbar Sher comrades” and said peaceful protest is part of India’s democratic heritage. He expressed pride in Youth Congress workers for what he called fearlessly speaking out in the nation’s interest.
He also criticised the India-US trade agreement, alleging it would harm India’s farmers and textile sector and compromise national interests.
Protest and Arrest at AI Summit
Delhi Police arrested Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with a protest staged on February 20 inside Bharat Mandapam. Chib was later produced before a judicial magistrate at Patiala House Court, where police sought seven days of custody, alleging he played a key role in organising the demonstration.
According to police, around 10 Youth Congress members briefly raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the summit. Officials said the protesters had registered online to attend the event and entered the venue carrying or wearing white T-shirts featuring images of Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with protest slogans.
The demonstration reportedly led to heated exchanges before security personnel intervened and detained those involved.
Police Investigation Underway
Police alleged that the protest was carried out with “common intention” and claimed Chib was the mastermind who arranged logistics and funding. The case has been transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch for further investigation.
Authorities said those detained are being identified and legal action is being initiated in accordance with the law.
Political Reactions Intensify
Responding to the arrests, Gandhi accused the government of suppressing dissent and called the action proof of “dictatorial tendencies and cowardice.” He reiterated that the Congress party stands firmly with the Youth Congress members.
The protest has sparked a political controversy, with leaders from the ruling party criticising the demonstration and accusing the Congress of disrupting an international event and damaging the country’s image on a global platform.
