New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed solidarity with Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers after Delhi Police arrested its national president, Uday Bhanu Chib, over a ‘shirtless’ protest at Bharat Mandapam during last week’s India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Gandhi praised the protesters as “fearless” and supported their right to peaceful demonstration. In an X post, he said: “Peaceful protest is our historical legacy. It is in our blood and is the democratic right of every Indian. I am proud of my Babbar Sher comrades in the Youth Congress, who have fearlessly raised their voices in the interest of the country against the ‘COMPROMISED PM’.”
A court remanded Chib to four days’ police custody after his arrest earlier in the day.
Gandhi also criticised the recent India-US interim trade agreement framework, claiming it compromises farmers’ interests, the textile industry and national data security. He branded Chib’s arrest — along with other IYC workers — “proof of dictatorial tendencies and cowardice”. The post continued: “The Trade Deal with America has compromised the interests of the country. This agreement will harm our farmers and textile industry and hand over our data to America.”
During the protest, IYC workers had entered the AI Expo Hall, brandished posters, chanted slogans and removed their T-shirts.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday strongly condemned the arrest. Speaking to media, he said: “I condemn such an arrest. The youth today are desperate for jobs, and the environment in the country has deteriorated so much that people are very angry with PM Modi. I wanted PM Modi to do something good for the country, but he has destroyed the country. He has bowed down to President Trump.”
