Politics · India · 1 day ago
Tharoor criticises Delhi security measures ahead of CJP protest
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised heavy security measures in Delhi on Saturday, ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP.
The protest was aimed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and concerned allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls.
Police denied permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, citing security and procedural requirements.
Tharoor said checkpoints, barriers, transport disruptions and internet restrictions made the city feel like it was under a war-like deployment.
Delhi Police detained more than 500 protesters trying to reach Jantar Mantar, while police sources said more than 600 people with criminal records were detained in preventive action across the city.
Tharoor called on the government to answer questions about elections rather than restrict peaceful expression.
He said barricades would not restore public trust in the Election Commission, and urged it to address the public's concerns.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the security measures in Delhi ahead of a planned Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest against the Election Commission.
Tharoor described the deployment as “war-like” and said the government should answer questions about elections rather than restrict peaceful expression.
He cited 22,000 police and paramilitary personnel, 250 cancelled trains and 45 closed metro stations; these figures were part of his account of the situation.
Delhi Police detained over 500 protesters who were trying to reach Jantar Mantar, according to The Hindu.
Police denied permission for the protest, citing security considerations and procedural requirements, and said prohibitory orders were in force in New Delhi.
The CJP protest was called over alleged voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and changes relating to Form 6.
- Who
- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, the CJP, Delhi Police and protesters
- What
- Tharoor criticised Delhi’s security restrictions ahead of a proposed CJP protest against the Election Commission.
- When
- Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Where
- Delhi, including the area around Jantar Mantar
- Why
- The CJP called the protest over alleged voter-list irregularities; police cited security considerations and procedural requirements for denying permission.
Shashi Tharoor and the CJP
Delhi Police
The planned protest
Shashi Tharoor and the CJP
The CJP called for a demonstration over alleged voter-list manipulation and changes relating to Form 6. Tharoor argued that citizens should be able to raise questions about elections peacefully.
Delhi Police
Delhi Police denied permission for the demonstration, citing security considerations and procedural requirements.
Security restrictions
Shashi Tharoor and the CJP
Tharoor criticised the deployment and restrictions, saying they constrained movement and peaceful expression.
Delhi Police
Police said prohibitory orders were in force in New Delhi and that security measures were intended to prevent a breach of peace.
Our GenZ deserves better than an undeclared Emer-GenZ.
The government should provide answers, not lathis; expression, not repression.
One is entitled to ask where this extraordinary manpower and urgency disappear when women in our capital need protection.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Date
- October 10, 2026
- Police and paramilitary deployment cited by Tharoor
- 22,000 personnel
- Transport disruptions cited by Tharoor
- 250 trains cancelled and 45 metro stations closed
- Protesters detained
- Over 500, according to The Hindu
- Proposed protest location
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- Election official named in the coverage
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
Sources
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