Mallikarjun Kharge condemns arrest of Youth Congress Chief Uday Chib

Story by ANI | Posted by Vidushi Gaur | Date 24-02-2026

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge

Bengaluru

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday strongly criticised the arrest of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) national president Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with a protest during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.

Speaking to the media, Kharge said he condemned the arrest, asserting that youth across the country are facing joblessness and growing frustration. He alleged that the political atmosphere has deteriorated and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to safeguard national interests. Kharge also claimed that the Centre was targeting the Congress to create fear, adding that the party would not be intimidated.

He further alleged that the Prime Minister avoids parliamentary scrutiny and that actions against Youth Congress leaders were attempts to silence dissent. “Congress is not afraid and will continue to speak out,” Kharge said.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed solidarity with the Indian Youth Congress following Chib’s arrest. In a post on X, Gandhi described peaceful protest as a democratic right and praised Youth Congress members for raising their voices without fear.

Gandhi also criticised the framework of the India–US interim trade agreement, alleging that it compromises the interests of farmers, the textile sector and data security. He termed the arrest of Chib and other Youth Congress workers as evidence of “dictatorial tendencies” and reiterated the party’s support for the protesting youth.

“The Congress Party and I stand firmly with our Youth Congress colleagues. Speaking truth to power is not a crime; it is patriotism,” Gandhi said in his post.

Chib was arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the Youth Congress protest at Bharat Mandapam during the summit. His arrest came days after Youth Congress workers demonstrated at the event, protesting against the Prime Minister and alleging that national interests had been compromised, according to a party statement.