A Delhi court has placed Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib in police custody for four days after his arrest in connection with a shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit. Opposition leaders have condemned the move, emphasizing that protesting is not a crime and is a legitimate way to raise issues.
Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala defended the protest, stating that exposing government actions that may harm national interests is a citizen’s right. He affirmed that peaceful opposition to the government is essential in a democracy and should not be considered criminal.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticized the government, expressing concerns about threats to democracy. He highlighted the BJP’s alleged attempts to undermine democratic principles and the Constitution, raising apprehensions about the state of democracy in the country.
Congress leader Harish Rawat denounced the arrest of the Youth Congress President, labeling it as an infringement on freedom of expression. He expressed worry over the implications of such actions on democratic rights and the ability to voice dissent.
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha questioned the arrest, pointing out the disproportionate response to a peaceful protest. He compared the handling of this incident to past events and urged the government to reconsider its actions.
RJD MLA Bhai Virendra supported the protest, emphasizing that it was a response to the prevailing circumstances and aligned with the party’s stance. He defended the Youth Congress members’ actions, asserting that they had not acted wrongly.
Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary highlighted the need for a fair assessment in court regarding the Youth Congress President’s involvement in the protest. He criticized the protest as inappropriate and damaging to the country’s reputation on the global stage.
RLM MLA Madhav Anand called for accountability, suggesting that the protest could not have occurred without approval from higher authorities. He emphasized the need to identify and take action against those responsible for tarnishing the nation’s dignity.
