‎New Delhi, Feb 24 (.) ‎The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Tuesday staged a protest against the arrest of its National President, Uday Bhanu Chib, and other party workers, describing the move as an “attack on democracy.” The demonstration took place at the IYC office on Raisina Road, New Delhi, and was attended by a large number of youth leaders and activists.
‎Addressing the media during the protest, IYC members said, “The arrests are politically motivated and aimed at suppressing the voice of the youth. We are here to demand justice and assert our democratic right to protest peacefully.”
‎Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma, a former IYC president, termed the arrest of Chib as “unjustified” and called for his immediate release. “In a democracy, the right to non-violent protest must be protected. The law of the land cannot be used expediently to target ideological opponents,” Sharma said.
‎The Delhi Police had arrested Chib, describing him as the “main conspirator” and “mastermind” behind a shirtless protest staged by IYC members at the AI Impact Summit. Officials stated that the action was taken in connection with the disturbance caused during the summit.
‎The protesters at the IYC office emphasised the party’s demand for safeguarding democratic freedoms and protecting youth participation in political activism. IYC leaders reiterated that the demonstration was peaceful and aimed at drawing public attention to what they call the misuse of law for political ends.
‎”This is not just about Uday Bhanu Chib or IYC members; it is about defending the very spirit of democracy where citizens can raise their voices without fear of reprisal,” a senior IYC leader said.
‎The incident has sparked wider debate about the limits of political dissent and the role of law enforcement in managing protests by political groups. Congress leaders have indicated that they will continue to raise the issue in Parliament and across public forums, demanding accountability and the protection of democratic rights.
‎The IYC protest comes amid heightened political tensions in the national capital, with opposition parties increasingly voicing concerns about the treatment of youth leaders and activists. . SKA KK
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