Bengaluru, Feb 24: In a bold defense of Youth Congress activists, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge stood firmly behind their dramatic shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Describing the demonstration as a selfless act in the national interest, Kharge condemned the arrests and detentions as undemocratic overreach.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge highlighted how the young protesters stripped to their waists to spotlight pressing issues like skyrocketing unemployment and the plight of farmers. ‘These were calculated moves to awaken the nation to real crises,’ he asserted, slamming the police action that led to judicial custody for the activists.
Kharge didn’t hold back on criticizing the central government’s policies. He accused the administration of saddling farmers with burdensome international deals, particularly those linked to former US President Donald Trump. ‘Agreements that prioritize foreign demands over our farmers’ welfare are disastrous,’ he warned, pointing to decisions like curbing oil imports from Russia as further blows to the agrarian economy.
The Congress leader expressed deep concern over bail denials for the protesters, calling it a direct assault on democratic values. Dismissing BJP claims that the protest tarnished India’s image during an international event, Kharge countered with examples from the past. ‘Even senior BJP figures like Nitin Gadkari protested during the Commonwealth Games—where was the outrage then?’ he retorted.
Kharge praised the Youth Congress for their courage in drawing attention to youth unemployment and farmer injustices without causing disruption. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of blindly acquiescing to Trump’s whims, neglecting India’s core interests. As the political row intensifies, Kharge’s outspoken support signals a renewed Congress push against perceived governmental apathy.