During an AI Impact Summit on February 20, the Delhi police arrested eight members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), including its national president, Uday Bhanu Chib, in connection with a shirtless protest. This action has drawn criticism from Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who expressed solidarity with the arrested members. He praised the IYC for their fearless and peaceful demonstration against the central government's policies, which he claims compromise national interests, particularly in trade agreements with the United States.

In his statement on social media, Gandhi emphasized the importance of peaceful protest as a democratic right, rooted in India's historical legacy. He expressed pride in the brave efforts of the IYC members, calling them his 'lion-hearted comrades' for standing up against what he termed a 'compromised PM.' The concerns raised by Gandhi focus on recent trade deals with the U.S., which, he argues, will adversely affect Indian farmers and the textile industry, while also compromising data security.

Gandhi's remarks reflect the ongoing tensions between the opposition parties and the ruling government, highlighting a significant issue in the current political climate in India. As the Congress party rallies support around this incident, it underscores their strategy to capitalize on public discontent regarding government policies that they perceive as detrimental to national interests and the rights of citizens.