What’s Behind the Youth Congress's Upcoming 'Sansad Gherao' Protest Against the India-US Trade Deal?

The Indian Youth Congress is gearing up for a significant protest dubbed 'Sansad Gherao' in New Delhi, expressing concerns over the potential adverse effects of the newly announced trade agreement with the United States. Led by Uday Bhanu Chib, the protest aims to gather Youth Congress members from across the nation to voice their opposition to the deal, which they believe could harm key sectors like agriculture and textiles. The event follows a previous demonstration during the AI Impact Summit, highlighting the organization's commitment to raising awareness about economic risks. With expectations of a large turnout, the protest seeks to draw national attention to the implications of the trade agreement.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 11:02 IST

Youth Congress Plans Major Protest in New Delhi

New Delhi: The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) has declared a 'Sansad Gherao' protest scheduled for Monday, expressing concerns that the recently established trade agreement with the United States may jeopardize India's economic stability.

The demonstration will be spearheaded by IYC National President Uday Bhanu Chib, with participation expected from Youth Congress members nationwide.

During a press briefing in the capital, Delhi Youth Congress President Akshay Lakra stated that party activists from across the country would gather at Jantar Mantar before marching to voice their dissent against the government's policies and the proposed India–US trade agreement.

Lakra claimed that the trade deal could have detrimental effects on vital economic sectors. He emphasized that the Youth Congress aims to raise alarms about the potential negative impacts on farmers and the textile industry, as well as concerns regarding national data security.

"The protest seeks to bring national focus to the possible dangers associated with this trade agreement," Lakra remarked, asserting that the organization believes the deal could threaten domestic economic interests.

He also referenced a prior protest by Youth Congress members during the AI Impact Summit, which he characterized as an exercise of their democratic rights.

On February 20, during that protest, several IYC members reportedly entered the summit venue wearing white T-shirts emblazoned with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans addressing the India-US trade deal and other related issues.

Following that demonstration, IYC leader Uday Bhanu Chib was detained for conducting a "shirtless protest" at the event but was released from Tihar Jail on March 3.

In addition, Youth Congress national secretary and Delhi co-incharge Hevaran Kansana mentioned that they anticipate a significant turnout for the 'Sansad Gherao' protest, with participants expected from various states to express their opposition to the government's policies and the trade agreement.