On February 21, members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) organized a significant protest in Chandigarh aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This demonstration followed a provocative ‘shirtless’ protest the previous day at the India AI Summit. The protestors expressed their discontent regarding a recent trade deal with the United States, denouncing the Prime Minister as “compromised.” As they approached the BJP office, police intervened with water cannons and performed a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.

Statements from Youth Congress Leadership

During the protest, HS Lucky, the President of Chandigarh Congress, addressed journalists, criticizing Modi for prioritizing foreign interests over Indian citizens. He stated that the Congress party remains undeterred and will persist in opposing the alleged “unjust policies” of the current government. Lucky declared, “The PM is compromised. He is not protecting the rights of the citizens; he is caring for foreign nations. The Congress will continue to protest against the unjust policies of the Modi government.” He highlighted the perceived failures of Modi’s administration regarding international relations and domestic governance.

Recent Arrests Linked to Prior Demonstrations

In related events, the Patiala House Court on the same day placed four IYC members—Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narsingh—into police custody for five days. These individuals had previously been arrested following a protest at the Bharat Mandapam during the Al Impact India Summit. The protest involved the participants removing their shirts, which bore slogans such as “Compromised PM,” signaling their dissent against the Prime Minister’s leadership.

Police Response to Protests

The IYC issued a statement claiming that their members were demonstrating against Modi, whom they accused of compromising the country’s identity during the AI Summit. Consequently, police detained several protestors, asserting that the individuals raised anti-national slogans. According to police officials, the actions of the protestors were reminiscent of the Gen Z protests in Nepal, which aimed to tarnish India’s image on the international stage. This protest occurred while international dignitaries were present at the Bharat Mandapam venue.

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