'Shirtless' protest at AI summit: Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib arrested
Times of India
by ABHAYFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Delhi Police arrested Indian Youth Congress (IYC) National President Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with a controversial protest that took place at the AI Impact Expo in New Delhi on February 20. The incident occurred during the Bharat Man summit, where eight individuals, including Chib and other key IYC members, were detained for allegedly staging a shirtless protest inside the venue. Protesters, dressed casually but later stripped to reveal T-shirts with anti-Prime Minister messages, raised slogans and disrupted the event. This move has sparked political tensions, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticising the Congress party for what he called an "undisciplined" act.
The protesters, including Jitendra Yadav, Raja Gujar, and Vimal Ajay Kumar, were reportedly part of a planned demonstration aimed at drawing attention to their political agenda. They had completed mandatory online registration and entered the venue using QR codes, blending in with attendees until they removed their outerwear to reveal their provocative T-shirts. Videos circulating online show security personnel and event staff attempting to remove the protesters from the hall as they chanted slogans. The incident was captured on camera and has since gone viral, sparking debates over political expression versus event decorum.
The arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib and his associates highlights a growing divide between India's ruling party and opposition groups, with both sides engaging in heated rhetoric. Prime Minister Modi slammed the Congress for what he described as an "unconstitutional" and "undignified" act during a high-profile international event. This incident not only underscores the volatile political climate in India but also raises questions about the boundaries of free expression at public events. The case has drawn significant attention globally, with many viewing it as a reflection of broader tensions between India's government and opposition parties.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026