Proud of 'babbar shers' of Youth Congress: Rahul on AI meet stir
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Rahul Gandhi has expressed pride in the "brave lions" of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) who protested against a perceived compromised deal with the US during the AI Summit. The Congress leader criticized the police crackdown on IYC members, labeling it a dictatorial move that reflects cowardice. He emphasized that exposing the truth about such deals is a patriotic duty, not a crime. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed Rahul's stance, accusing him of reducing the Congress to a "running joke" through his anarchic behavior and unwarranted criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The protests at the AI Summit in Delhi were met with a strong police response, leading to arrests of several IYC members. Rahul defended their actions, stating they were exposing the truth behind the US trade agreement, which he claimed was against national interests. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge echoed support for the youth activists, accusing Modi of being paralyzed by fear and unable to defend his government's policies in parliament.
The BJP strongly rebuked Rahul's comments, calling them undemocratic and immature. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj described him as a "mouthpiece of anti-India forces" and criticized his behavior as that of an uninformed and stubborn child. This exchange highlights the deepening political divide in India, with Congress challenging Modi's leadership and the BJP countering with harsh accusations against Rahul.
The incident underscores the volatile political climate in India, where opposition leaders are using high-profile platforms to criticize government policies and challenge authority. The protests not only reflect ongoing tensions between the government and opposition but also highlight the youth's growing role in political activism. As the debate over national interests and foreign policy intensifies, this clash of rhetoric and ideology will likely shape India's political landscape for months to come.
This situation matters globally as it illustrates the dynamics within one of the world's largest democracies. The protests and subsequent reactions reveal underlying tensions between generations, political ideologies, and approaches to
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026