The political storm in Delhi intensified as ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel fiercely denounced the Delhi Police’s arrest of Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib. In a strongly worded social media post, Baghel demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Chib and his fellow activists, decrying the move as a blatant misuse of state power.
‘The arrest of IYC National President Uday Bhanu Chib and other young comrades by Delhi Police is illegal, and I strongly condemn it,’ Baghel wrote on X. He reminded the government that youthful dissent is the lifeblood of democracy, not a punishable offense. ‘Dictatorships suppress voices, but democracies amplify them,’ he added.
Detailing the context, Baghel noted that the activists had conducted a non-violent protest at the AI Summit in Bharat Mandapam, spotlighting the youth’s suffering under broken promises from the Prime Minister. What should have been hailed as democratic engagement has instead triggered police action, which Baghel called a direct attack on freedom of speech.
According to police reports, Chib was apprehended following the shirtless protest at Pragati Maidan, with heightened security at Tilak Marg station. The BJP has seized the opportunity to target Congress and Rahul Gandhi, but party spokespersons insist the demonstration was peaceful and justified.
Baghel’s call escalates the narrative of government overreach, urging the dropping of all fabricated charges and halting further crackdowns. As opposition voices grow louder, this clash highlights deepening divides over youth issues, protest rights, and the health of India’s democratic fabric. The coming days will test how far the ruling dispensation goes in responding to such criticisms.