Indian Opposition Leader Defends Protest Rights After Arrests
Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has publicly defended members of the Indian Youth Congress following the arrest of their national president during protests at a technology summit in New Delhi.
The leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha expressed support for what he termed "peaceful protest" as a democratic right, following the detention of Indian Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib and several party workers.
Protest at Technology Summit
The arrests stemmed from demonstrations staged at Bharat Mandapam during an artificial intelligence summit on February 20. Delhi Police detained approximately ten Youth Congress workers who had registered to attend the event legitimately.
The protesters entered the venue wearing white t-shirts bearing images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans related to trade agreements and other political messages. The demonstration occurred around midday in Exhibition Hall No. 5.
Political Response
Gandhi characterized the protest as being in the national interest, claiming that recent trade agreements with the United States would negatively impact India's agricultural and textile sectors. He alleged these agreements compromise national sovereignty over data protection.
"Peaceful protest is our historic heritage," Gandhi stated on social media, defending the constitutional right to demonstrate. He described the arrests as evidence of authoritarian tendencies within the current government.
Legal Proceedings
Delhi Police have sought seven days of custody for Chib, alleging he masterminded the protest and arranged its logistics and funding. The case has been transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch for further investigation.
Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Mahla confirmed that appropriate legal action is being pursued against those involved in the demonstration.
Political Implications
The incident has sparked broader political debate about protest rights and democratic expression in India. Government supporters have criticized the demonstration as inappropriate for an international forum, while opposition parties defend it as legitimate political expression.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between India's ruling party and opposition groups over trade policy, democratic freedoms, and the appropriate venues for political dissent.