Digital News Guru New Delhi Desk:
Youth Congress Protest in Delhi
A major political controversy has erupted in New Delhi after workers of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) staged an unusual “shirtless protest” inside the India AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam. During the event, several IYC members reportedly removed their shirts to reveal T-shirts bearing political slogans and marched inside an exhibition hall — chanting slogans critical of government policies, including on trade and corruption. Delhi Police swiftly intervened and took several protestors into custody.
Police have described the protest as a breach of security at a high-profile international event and allege it involved a “wider conspiracy”. FIRs have been registered under multiple serious sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, assault on public servants and offences relating to obstructing officials carrying out their duties.
Arrests & Court Custody
- Uday Bhanu Chib, the IYC national president, was among those arrested and is being treated by police as the “mastermind” of the protest.
- A Delhi court has extended the police custody of at least five Youth Congress workers for further investigation.
- Additional arrests include workers from other states; some were apprehended in Himachal Pradesh by Delhi Police, triggering jurisdictional tensions.
Standoff Between Police Forces
The transfers of several arrested activists from Shimla to Delhi sparked a dramatic inter-state conflict between the Delhi Police and Himachal Pradesh Police, with Shimla authorities initially alleging improper procedures in the arrest and retaking custody. A 24-hour standoff ensued on a highway before the Delhi Police convoy was allowed to proceed to the capital with the detainees.
Denial of Protest Permission
Amid the controversy, the Delhi Police rejected a request by the Youth Congress’s Delhi unit to hold a next protest at Jantar Mantar, citing public order concerns tied to the AI Summit row.
Broader Political Reactions
- Opposition Leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, condemned the arrests and government actions, accusing the ruling party of suppressing dissent. Gandhi described the crackdown in stark terms, comparing India’s situation unfavourably with authoritarian regimes.
- The Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee has termed the arrests “illegal and unconstitutional” and warned that the party might launch larger agitations if detained leaders are not released.
- In solidarity with the arrested Youth Congress workers, local party units held demonstrations, including a rail roko protest near Shivaji Bridge in New Delhi, disrupting train movement briefly.
Parliamentary & Public Responses
The political row has reached national legislative forums as well. A parliamentary panel criticized the Youth Congress protest and passed a resolution condemning the act, supported mainly by members of the ruling alliance. Opposition MPs dissenting argued that the committee should not wade into political disputes beyond its mandate.
The protest has also sparked debate among public figures and citizens:
- Hundreds of notable personalities released statements condemning the shirtless protest as a “betrayal of national dignity.”
- Columnists and analysts have offered contrasting views: some call the protest inappropriate or embarrassing at an international event, while others defend the right to protest as essential in a democracy.
Context & Significance
The incident reflects rising tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition parties, particularly the Congress, over protest rights, political dissent and public order at high-profile national events. The AI Summit, a flagship international gathering for technology and investment, has become a flashpoint that turned into a larger debate about civil liberties, political expression and state authority.
What Happens Next?
- The police are expected to continue investigations, including tracing the origin of the printed T-shirts and identifying any potential broader coordination.
- Legal and political battles are likely to continue in courts, Parliament and on the streets as both the Congress and BJP mobilize public opinion.
- Observers will also watch whether this controversy influences public discourse ahead of future elections or policy debates.
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