Youth Congress President Arrested Over Bharat Mandapam Protest
Uday Bhanu Chib, the National President of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), was arrested on February 24, 2026, by Delhi Police. His arrest is linked to a 'shirtless protest' that took place on February 20, 2026, during the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Chib's arrest brings the total number of individuals held in connection with the incident to eight. He was questioned for approximately 15 to 20 hours at the Tilak Marg police station before his formal arrest.
Details of the Protest and Subsequent Arrests
The protest involved IYC workers gaining entry to the AI Impact Summit venue, specifically an exhibition hall, by completing online registration and using QR codes. Once inside, they allegedly removed their outer garments to reveal T-shirts bearing slogans critical of the Prime Minister and the proposed India-US trade deal. Videos circulating online reportedly showed protesters chanting slogans and being escorted out by security personnel.
Prior to Chib's arrest, Delhi Police had already apprehended seven other individuals. Among those arrested were Jitendra Yadav, the IYC's national coordinator from Gwalior, Raja Gujar, Gwalior district president of the IYC, and Vimal Ajay Kumar, an office-bearer from Bhind. Chib faces charges including criminal conspiracy, voluntarily causing harm to a public servant, obstructing a public servant on duty, and wilful disobedience.
Context of the AI Impact Summit and Political Reactions
The AI Impact Summit, formally known as the India AI Impact Summit 2026, was an international conference on artificial intelligence held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 21, 2026. It was organized under the IndiaAI Mission by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 19, 2026.
The protest drew strong reactions from political parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the act, calling it a 'shameful act to tarnish India's image on the global stage' and demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi. In contrast, the Indian Youth Congress defended its actions, with National General Secretary Shesh Narayan Ojha stating that 'opposing the government is not 'anti-India' and is our right' and that the demonstration was peaceful.
5 Comments
Bermudez
While freedom of expression is crucial, I question if disrupting an international tech summit is the most effective way to convey political dissent without detracting from the message. There's a fine line between protest and disruption.
ZmeeLove
Childish tactics, not a legitimate protest. Lock them up!
Habibi
Exposing the government's priorities at an AI summit, brilliant move!
Comandante
Disrupting an international summit? Absolutely unacceptable behavior.
Noir Black
The IYC aims to draw attention to critical issues like trade deals and governance, which is their democratic right. However, the BJP's concern about India's image at a global event also holds some weight, as such actions can be misinterpreted internationally.