Politics has heated up with the arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib after protesting at the India AI Impact Summit. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge called it an attack on democratic rights, while the police have handed over the investigation to the Crime Branch.
Rahul Gandhi targets centre (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: The arrest of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) National President Uday Bhanu Chib following protests during the 'India AI Impact Summit 2026' organized at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi has heated up the political atmosphere. Top Congress leaders have strongly criticized the central government, calling it an attack on democratic rights.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, raised his voice in support of Youth Congress workers by posting on social media platform X. He said that peaceful protest is part of India's historical tradition, and it is the democratic right of every citizen. Rahul described the Youth Congress workers as “lions” and said that they have raised their voices fearlessly in the interest of the country.
शांतिपूर्ण विरोध हमारी ऐतिहासिक धरोहर है। यह हमारे खून में है और हर भारतीय का लोकतांत्रिक अधिकार है।
मुझे युवा कांग्रेस के अपने बब्बर शेर साथियों पर गर्व है, जिन्होंने ‘COMPROMISED PM’ के खिलाफ निडर होकर देश के हित में आवाज़ उठाई है।
अमेरिका के साथ हुए Trade Deal में देश के…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 24, 2026
Rahul Gandhi described the arrest as evidence of “dictatorial tendencies” and "cowardice." He said that presenting truth to power is not a crime but patriotism. His message was clear—don't be afraid, truth and the Constitution are with us.
Uday Bhanu Chib was arrested on Tuesday morning. The police have detained him under several sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS). These also include Section 196, which deals with spreading enmity on the basis of religion, caste, language, or other grounds and falls in the category of non-bailable offense.
After his arrest, he was produced in Patiala House Court. The police have demanded seven days' remand, on which the court has reserved its decision. Delhi Police has handed over the investigation of the entire case to the Crime Branch.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with senior leaders
Officials say all aspects, including security arrangements at the venue and the nature of the protest, are being thoroughly investigated. This incident has sparked a new debate in political circles. Congress is calling it an attack on freedom of expression, while government supporters are considering it a matter of law and order.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi also raised questions on the India-US interim trade agreement. He alleged that the agreement is against the interests of farmers, the textile industry, and data security. Congress says that the government's policies are weakening the economic and strategic interests of the country.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned Chib's arrest. He said that the government is trying to suppress the voice of the youth. Kharge reiterated that protests are part of democracy and Congress is not going to yield to any pressure. He also demanded the prime minister come to Parliament and answer.
The case is no longer limited to a single arrest but has become a cause for widespread debate on democratic rights, political dissent, and government accountability.
