Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has strongly criticised the central government and the BJP over the arrest of Indian Youth Congress leaders following protests during the AI Summit. Kharge said the action reflects double standards and an attempt to silence democratic dissent.
The controversy erupted after Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib and other members were taken into custody for protesting at the high-profile international event.
BJP Accused of Double Standards
Kharge questioned the BJP’s moral authority to lecture others on nationalism and public conduct. He pointed to past instances where BJP leaders themselves staged protests and disruptions during major international events, arguing that the ruling party is now applying different standards when opposition voices raise concerns.
According to the Congress leader, nationalism cannot be selectively invoked to suppress opposition protests while ignoring similar actions by those in power in the past.
Arrests Called Harassment of Youth Voices
The Congress chief described the arrests of Youth Congress workers as harassment rather than law enforcement. He said young political workers have the right to raise issues of national importance and should not be treated as criminals for participating in protests.
Kharge stressed that peaceful demonstrations are an essential part of democracy and warned that targeting youth activists could deepen political polarisation.
Political Heat After AI Summit Protest
The AI Summit protest has triggered a sharp political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP. While the government maintains that law and order must be preserved during international events, the Congress argues that dissent cannot be branded as anti-national.
The party has demanded the immediate release of detained Youth Congress members and urged the government to respect democratic freedoms.
Congress Signals Continued Opposition
Kharge indicated that the Congress will continue to stand with Youth Congress workers and oppose what it sees as authoritarian tendencies.
