Congress Celebrates Uday Bhanu Chib's Bail as a Stand Against Authoritarianism
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New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) The Congress party expressed satisfaction on Saturday, stating that “truth and justice have triumphed,” following the court's ruling to grant bail to Uday Bhanu Chib, the Indian Youth Congress chief. This decision stems from the incident involving a shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit held in the national capital.
The Patiala House Court's duty magistrate approved Chib's bail on a personal bond of ₹50,000.
In a statement to IANS, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari remarked, “We were confident that Uday Bhanu Chib, who was wrongfully accused, would receive bail, and I welcome this positive outcome.”
Tiwari further criticized the BJP, accusing the government of practicing “dictatorship.” He stated, “This serves as a fitting reply to the BJP’s authoritarian regime that undermines fundamental rights.”
Purnea MP Pappu Yadav also welcomed the ruling and condemned the government, asserting to IANS, “When fear takes hold, the rule of law disintegrates. Authoritarian governance, reminiscent of Hitler or the Tsar, spares no one.”
Yadav continued, “This situation transcends the Congress party. The real culprits, like Galgotias, who exploit the nation and disrespect India’s dignity, roam free while those protesting for justice are targeted.”
The Delhi Police Crime Branch had sought a seven-day extension of Uday Bhanu Chib's police custody, along with remand requests for two additional suspects in the case. However, the duty magistrate granted Chib bail after the defense presented its application, stating that the Crime Branch did not provide adequate justification for the remand extension. As part of the bail conditions, the court mandated Chib to surrender his passport and electronic devices.
Chib faces allegations of being the primary instigator behind an unlawful gathering on February 20 at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit and Expo 2026, where chants against Prime Minister Modi were raised, along with claims of attempts to incite riots.
The protest ignited a political controversy, with the BJP condemning it as an effort to damage India's international reputation, while the Congress defended it as a peaceful demonstration highlighting youth concerns.
Meanwhile, even allies within the Opposition INDIA Bloc have critiqued the Congress's youth wing concerning the nature of the protest.