Uday Bhanu Chib, National President of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), was arrested by the Delhi Police on Tuesday in connection with a protest staged during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in the national capital.
According to police officials, Chib was detained over demonstrations organized by Youth Congress members at Bharat Mandapam, the summit venue in New Delhi. The protest reportedly took place last Friday, when party workers raised slogans criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of compromising the nation’s identity, as stated in a party release.
The India AI Impact Summit, a high-profile global event focused on artificial intelligence governance and innovation, has drawn international participation. The demonstration by Youth Congress workers during the proceedings attracted the attention of security agencies, given the presence of senior officials and delegates.
Soon after the arrest, senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel strongly criticized the move, terming it “dictatorial” and alleging that the action was illegal. In a statement, Baghel said that in a democracy, raising questions and organizing protests are legitimate forms of expression.
He claimed that the Youth Congress had carried out a peaceful protest without violence or provocation and alleged that the government was attempting to suppress dissent through police action. Baghel demanded the immediate release of Chib and other detained workers and called for the withdrawal of what he described as false charges.
Police officials have not publicly detailed the specific charges but indicated that the action was taken in accordance with legal provisions related to maintaining order at high-security events.
The arrest has added a political dimension to the ongoing summit, with the Congress accusing the Centre of stifling democratic voices, while authorities maintain that security protocols must be strictly enforced during international gatherings.
Further developments are awaited as legal proceedings continue.
Congress Slams Arrest of Youth Leader as ‘Undemocratic’
