SRINAGAR: In a significant development, the Congress party on Sunday announced the appointment of Uday Bhanu Chib as the new President of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), marking a pivotal moment in the party’s youth wing leadership. Chib, who hails from Paloura in Jammu, replaces Srinivas Bhadravathi Venkata (Srinivas BV), whose five-year tenure garnered widespread attention for his notable relief work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made the announcement, with the party’s General Secretary, KC Venugopal, releasing a formal statement. “Hon’ble Congress President has appointed Shri Uday Bhanu Chib, currently General Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress and former President of the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Youth Congress, as the President of the Indian Youth Congress, with immediate effect,” Venugopal stated.
Chib’s appointment is seen as a milestone for Jammu and Kashmir, making him the second leader from the region to hold this influential position in the IYC after Ghulam Nabi Azad, who led the youth wing in 1980. Chib’s political ascent has been closely linked with the youth in Jammu and Kashmir, where he has been vocal about the region’s political instability, advocating for democratic governance and highlighting the urgent need for essential services in Jammu.
Hailing from a politically active family, Chib is the son of Hari Singh Chib, Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC). His strong ties to the state and his grassroots engagement with youth issues make him a prominent figure in the region’s political landscape.
Uday Bhanu Chib, an engineering graduate from Pune University and an MBA alumnus of Arni University, Himachal Pradesh, has steadily risen through the ranks of the Congress party. His political career took a significant step forward when he was appointed as the President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Youth Congress, where he effectively mobilised the youth to address local challenges.
In December 2022, Chib was appointed as the National Secretary of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress. His leadership in NSUI further cemented his reputation as a dedicated youth leader, committed to advancing social justice and representing the aspirations of young Indians.
Just last week, Chib had a memorable meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, which he shared on social media, praising Gandhi’s perseverance and commitment to social justice. “Rahul Gandhi’s struggle and dedication are an inspiration to many,” Chib had posted, reinforcing his allegiance to the party’s core values.
Chib has consistently underscored the importance of youth participation in Jammu and Kashmir’s political future. In July 2024, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, he emphasised the crucial role of the youth in shaping the state’s direction. “These elections are a pivotal moment for the future of Jammu & Kashmir. It is crucial for the youth to engage and help shape the direction of our state,” he stated during a public address.
He also praised the involvement of young voters in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where their support contributed to strengthening the INDIA bloc nationwide. Chib remains a vocal advocate for youth-driven political change, urging the younger generation in Jammu and Kashmir to play an active role in the state’s future. “The youth have proven their ability to drive positive change. Their participation in the upcoming Assembly polls will be vital in shaping our state’s future,” he remarked.
As Chib steps into this influential role, his priorities will likely focus on mobilising youth participation across the nation, with a special emphasis on Jammu & Kashmir. In his first remarks after the announcement, Chib called on Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, pledging to strengthen the youth wing and continue building on the work of his predecessor.
The appointment of Uday Bhanu Chib marks a fresh chapter for the Indian Youth Congress, with expectations that his leadership will bring renewed energy to the organisation’s efforts in engaging the younger generation and addressing pressing social and political challenges.
As the political landscape in Jammu & Kashmir continues to evolve, Chib’s leadership will be closely watched. His appointment comes at a critical juncture, with the region poised for its upcoming Assembly elections. Chib’s focus on youth engagement and democratic governance will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of both the IYC and the Congress party’s influence in Jammu and Kashmir.