Congress heavyweight KC Venugopal unleashed scathing criticism against Delhi Police for rounding up Youth Congress protesters at an AI Summit, calling it a blatant suppression of democratic dissent. The arrests of key IYC figures have galvanized the opposition, spotlighting alleged curbs on free expression.
Reposting Youth Congress content on X, Venugopal reaffirmed peaceful protests as democracy’s lifeblood. ‘Strong condemnation of IYC President and workers’ detention by Delhi Police for AI Summit protests,’ he posted. ‘Dissent fuels democracy, not criminality— a lesson forgotten by this regime.’
Praising the activists’ valor in highlighting PM policies sans violence, he deemed the actions illegal and demanded prompt releases with charge drops. IYC, in turn, seeks mass backing, insisting the issue concerns democracy’s core.
An emergency huddle at IYC offices addresses the ‘unlawful’ crackdown, with vows of steadfast resistance. Spokespeople note the president’s seizure proves the protest pierced the government’s armor. ‘It’s disrupted the PM and BJP’s sleep—this is the people’s democracy to protect now.’
This flare-up mirrors persistent opposition claims of shrinking civic spaces under BJP rule. As Venugopal amplifies the outcry, it could catalyze wider mobilization, reshaping conversations on protest legitimacy and state power in India’s vibrant political arena.