Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Tharoor Slams Delhi Security Measures Ahead of Election Protest
A group planned to protest at Jantar Mantar about concerns over voter lists and elections.
Police did not give permission for the demonstration, citing safety and procedural reasons, and said restrictions were in force in parts of New Delhi.
More than 500 people trying to reach the site were detained, while police sources reported separate preventive detentions across the city.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the large security presence and the limits on movement.
He cited cancelled trains, closed Metro stations and a reported internet suspension in central Delhi.
Tharoor said the government should answer questions about elections rather than restrict people from asking them.
He also called for those detained to be released and asked what would happen if protesters returned on Monday.
Police said they were monitoring sensitive areas to prevent disruption and maintain order.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called Delhi’s reported security deployment of 22,000 police and paramilitary personnel “war-like” and criticised restrictions on movement.
Tharoor cited 250 cancelled trains, 45 closed Metro stations, road barriers and a reported internet suspension in central Delhi.
Delhi Police detained more than 500 people trying to reach Jantar Mantar; police sources said over 600 people with criminal records were also detained preventively across the city.
Police denied permission for the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed demonstration, citing security and procedural concerns, and said prohibitory orders were in force in New Delhi.
The proposed protest concerned allegations of voter-list manipulation during the electoral-roll revision and changes involving Form 6; Tharoor called for answers and the release of detainees.
- Who
- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Delhi Police and people seeking to attend the proposed Cockroach Janta Party protest.
- What
- Tharoor criticised Delhi’s reported security measures; police detained people trying to reach Jantar Mantar and denied permission for the proposed demonstration.
- When
- Saturday, October 10, 2026; Tharoor said he returned to Delhi after 2 a.m.
- Where
- Delhi, including roads leading to Jantar Mantar and the New Delhi area.
- Why
- The proposed protest concerned allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and changes involving Form 6; police cited security considerations and procedural requirements for denying permission.
Tharoor’s criticism
Police rationale
Security restrictions and protest access
Tharoor’s criticism
Tharoor said the barriers, restrictions and detentions curtailed movement and peaceful expression, and questioned whether authorities would impose a similar lockdown if protesters returned Monday.
Police rationale
Delhi Police denied permission for the proposed demonstration, citing security considerations and procedural requirements, and said prohibitory orders were in force.
Purpose of the deployment
Tharoor’s criticism
Tharoor argued that authorities should answer questions about election integrity, saying that turning the capital into a fortress could deepen public suspicion.
Police rationale
Police said personnel were deployed at strategic and sensitive locations, with heightened monitoring to prevent disruption and maintain law and order.
- Reported security deployment
- Tharoor cited 22,000 police and paramilitary personnel across Delhi.
- Transport measures cited
- Tharoor referred to 250 cancelled trains and 45 closed Metro stations.
- Protester detentions
- Delhi Police detained over 500 people trying to reach Jantar Mantar.
- Preventive detentions
- Police sources said over 600 people with criminal records were detained across all 15 districts.
- Proposed protest site
- Jantar Mantar; Delhi Police denied permission for the demonstration.
- Protest concerns
- Allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision and changes relating to Form 6.
- Police explanation
- Police cited security considerations and procedural requirements, and said prohibitory orders were in force in New Delhi.
