A Youth Congress protest during the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam has sparked a political controversy. Four activists have been arrested and sent to five-day police custody, while the Congress has described the action as an attack on democracy.
Youth Congress protest at Bharat Mandapam sparks political storm (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: A protest by Youth Congress activists during the India AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi has heated up national politics. The protest, which occurred mid-event, briefly created chaos at the venue. Given the presence of many prominent representatives and dignitaries from India and abroad, the protest has sparked discussion in political and diplomatic circles.
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, Delhi Police produced four Youth Congress activists involved in the protest in Patiala House Court. The court remanded all the accused to five days of police custody. The police stated that questioning the accused is necessary for a thorough investigation of the case.
The Delhi Police lawyer argued in court that anti-national slogans were raised during the protest and that they were divisive, similar to Nepal's GenZ movement. The police alleged that the protesters deliberately protested at a place where a large number of foreign delegates were present, which could have damaged the country's image. It also claimed that some police officers were injured during the scuffle.
When the court asked the police the basis for the five-day remand, the police stated that they wanted to find out who hatched the conspiracy and who was involved in the protest. They also wanted to investigate where the T-shirts worn at the protest were printed. The police also cited the need to seize the accused's mobile phones and interrogate them in custody, especially since the accused hail from different states.
The accused's lawyer opposed police remand, stating that the arrests undermined the dignity of democracy. He argued that if arrests were made based on protests, then MPs protesting in Parliament would also have to be arrested. This case has also sparked a debate on the balance between freedom of expression and law and order.
The Congress party has come under attack from the opposition following this incident. During the protest, activists removed their T-shirts and chanted slogans with offensive messages against the prime minister. This incident has further intensified the political conflict between the ruling party and the opposition.
