Rahul Gandhi Condemns Arrest of Youth Congress President Uday Bhanu Chib
Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Police Action
On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi expressed strong disapproval of the arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib, the president of the Indian Youth Congress, labeling the police's actions as indicative of a dictatorial mindset and cowardice. In a post on X, he stated that the arrest of Chib and his fellow IYC members is a testament to the oppressive nature of the authorities and their fear of the truth.
Historical Right to Protest
Gandhi emphasized that peaceful protests are a part of India's historical legacy, ingrained in the nation's identity and a fundamental democratic right for every citizen. He expressed pride in his fellow Youth Congress members, who bravely raised their voices against what he termed a 'COMPROMISED PM'. He criticized a recent trade deal with the United States, claiming it undermines national interests, adversely affecting farmers and the textile industry while jeopardizing data security.
Support for Arrested Leaders
The Congress leader reiterated that the arrests of Uday Bhanu Chib and other IYC members are clear signs of a dictatorial approach and cowardice. He affirmed that both he and the Congress party stand firmly with their courageous members, asserting that exposing the truth to those in power is not a crime but an act of patriotism. He encouraged supporters not to fear, stating that truth and the Constitution are on their side.
Context of the Arrest
Chib's arrest occurred in connection with a controversial 'shirtless' protest during the AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam last week. With his detention, the total number of arrests related to this incident has risen to eight. This strong defense of the protest comes at a time when some senior Congress leaders have adopted a more cautious stance. Senior leader Margaret Alva has reportedly emphasized the need for dignity, discipline, and responsibility on international platforms, which has been interpreted as an indirect critique of the protest's organization.