Delhi Police Arrests Youth Congress Chief Uday Bhanu Chib After AI Summit Protest

The Indian Youth Congress chief was arrested after a protest at the AI Summit. This follows the arrest of several other workers.
By Newsroom | Politics, Delhi |

The arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib, the national president of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), has led to a political debate. Chib was taken into custody by Delhi Police in connection with a protest held at the AI Impact Summit. The incident involves a group of IYC workers staging a demonstration inside the event venue, which police described as a "shirtless protest" involving slogans and politically charged messages.

What Happened:On February 20, during the AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam, a group of Indian Youth Congress workers staged a protest. Reports indicate that the protesters removed their outer shirts to reveal T-shirts with slogans criticizing the government and the Prime Minister. Some reports also mention messages related to the India-US trade deal and the "Epstein Files." The demonstration caused a brief commotion.

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Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib arrested over `shirtless protest` at the AI Summit - 1

The Arrest:Uday Bhanu Chib was arrested on Tuesday, following questioning by the Delhi Police on Monday. This arrest marks the latest development in a series of detentions related to the protest. Previously, several other IYC workers were arrested, including Jitendra Yadav, Raja Gujar, and Vimal Ajay Kumar. Police stated that the protesters had obtained QR codes to gain access to the venue.

Charges and Political Reactions:Delhi Police have reportedly invoked sections of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), including those related to promoting enmity and acts prejudicial to national integration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly criticized the Youth Congress for the protest, calling it "gandi aur nangi rajneeti" (dirty and shameless politics). Conversely, the Congress party and its leaders have condemned the arrests, with some calling them "illegal" and an attempt to suppress opposition voices. The IYC has defended its actions, stating that opposing the government is a right and not anti-national.

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Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib arrested over `shirtless protest` at the AI Summit - 2

Details of the Incident and Arrests

The protest at the AI Impact Summit occurred on Friday, February 20. IYC workers entered an exhibition hall and displayed T-shirts with slogans critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government's policies, particularly concerning the India-US trade deal.

Timeline of Arrests:

  • Initially, four workers were detained on the day of the protest.

  • Subsequently, seven IYC workers, including Jitendra Yadav, Raj Gujjar, and Ajay Kumar, were arrested, some from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

  • Ritik alias Monty Shukla, IYC's Uttar Pradesh general secretary, was also detained.

  • On Monday, police claimed to have made a fifth arrest in connection with the protest.

  • On Tuesday, Uday Bhanu Chib, National President of the IYC, was arrested after being questioned.

Police indicated that more individuals are under surveillance. The FIR has reportedly been expanded to include charges under sections of the BNS that carry potential jail terms of up to three years.

Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib arrested over `shirtless protest` at the AI Summit - 3

The Protest's Content and Intent

According to the Indian Youth Congress, their protest aimed to voice opposition to a "compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit." The slogans on the T-shirts reportedly targeted the Prime Minister and included phrases such as "India US Trade Deal" and "PM is compromised." Some reports also mentioned the "Epstein Files." The protesters walked around with their outer shirts off, revealing the messages.

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"Opposing the government is not 'anti-India' and is our right." - Indian Youth Congress statement

Police Accounts and Justification

Delhi Police stated that the group staged a "shirtless protest" inside the exhibition hall, raised slogans, and displayed politically charged messages. They also noted that the protesters were dressed casually and wore sweaters and jackets over their T-shirts. The police have invoked sections of the BNS, citing charges such as 196 (promoting enmity between different groups and acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and 197 (assertions prejudicial to national integration).

Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib arrested over `shirtless protest` at the AI Summit - 4

"Police said the group allegedly staged a shirtless protest inside the exhibition hall, raised slogans and displayed politically charged messages on their T-shirts, including slogans directed against the Prime Minister." - The Times of India

Political Ramifications and Reactions

The arrests have ignited a political dispute between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress.

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the protest as "dirty and shameless politics" and a "national shame."

  • Congress leaders, such as Bhupesh Baghel, have criticized the arrests as "illegal" and a tactic to silence dissent.

  • The Indian Youth Congress defended the protest, asserting their right to question the government.

This situation highlights differing interpretations of legitimate protest within a democratic framework.

Broader Context and Accusations

Some reports have alluded to the protest being part of a "larger conspiracy." Police also stated that the accused had registered online to obtain QR codes for venue access. The IYC has accused the authorities of attempting to "crush every opposition to the government."

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Expert Analysis

  • "The invocation of sections related to national integration and promoting enmity suggests the police view the protest not just as a breach of event decorum but as a threat to public harmony and national sentiment. The legal response indicates a potentially serious view of the impact of the slogans and actions." (Analysis based on the description of invoked BNS sections).

  • "From a political standpoint, the BJP's strong reaction aims to frame the opposition's actions as unpatriotic, while the Congress seeks to portray the arrests as governmental overreach and an attack on free speech. This dynamic is common in Indian politics where protests are often interpreted through partisan lenses." (Analysis based on quoted political reactions).

Conclusion and Implications

The arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib and other IYC workers stems from a protest during the AI Impact Summit, where demonstrators displayed T-shirts with critical messages. While the IYC maintains its right to protest and criticize the government, Delhi Police have invoked serious charges under the BNS, viewing the demonstration as prejudicial to harmony and national integration. The incident has escalated into a significant political debate, with the BJP and Congress exchanging sharp criticism. The legal proceedings and the ongoing political fallout will likely continue to unfold, defining the boundaries of protest and dissent in public forums.

  • Key Facts:

  • Who: Uday Bhanu Chib (IYC National President) and other IYC workers arrested.

  • What: Shirtless protest with slogan-bearing T-shirts at AI Impact Summit.

  • When: Protest on February 20; arrests follow.

  • Where: Bharat Mandapam, Delhi.

  • Why: Protesting government policies, India-US trade deal, and PM Modi.

  • Legal Action: Arrests under BNS sections (196, 197).

  • Political Reaction: Condemnation from Congress, criticism from PM Modi.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was arrested and why after the AI Summit protest on February 20?
Uday Bhanu Chib, the national president of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), was arrested by Delhi Police. The arrest is linked to a protest held by IYC workers at the AI Impact Summit on February 20.
Q: What happened during the AI Impact Summit protest?
On February 20, IYC workers staged a shirtless protest inside the Bharat Mandapam venue. They displayed T-shirts with slogans criticizing the government, the Prime Minister, and the India-US trade deal.
Q: What charges have been filed against the arrested Youth Congress members?
Delhi Police have invoked sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to promoting enmity between groups and acts prejudicial to national integration. These charges can lead to jail terms.
Q: What is the political reaction to the arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the protest 'dirty and shameless politics.' The Congress party has condemned the arrests, calling them illegal and an attempt to suppress opposition voices.
Q: How many Youth Congress workers have been arrested in connection with the protest?
Following the protest on February 20, several IYC workers were detained and arrested. Uday Bhanu Chib's arrest on Tuesday is the latest development, with multiple other workers already in custody.