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New Delhi, October 10: Indian Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticised the extensive security measures across Delhi, describing the deployment of police and paramilitary forces as “war-like” amid preparations for a planned protest over electoral integrity.
Tharoor said he was shocked by the scale of security arrangements after returning to the national capital early Saturday.
He cited checkpoints, concrete barricades, road spikes and the deployment of around 22,000 police and paramilitary personnel.
He also referred to reports of train cancellations, Metro station closures, internet suspension and the detention of young protesters ahead of a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
The Congress MP questioned the restrictions on peaceful protests, arguing that the government should address concerns over the electoral process rather than suppress dissent.
“A government confident in the fairness of its elections would welcome questions about them,” he said in a post on X.
Tharoor also urged the authorities to prioritise dialogue over force, saying the restrictions would do little to restore public confidence in the Election Commission.
His remarks came as Delhi Police tightened security ahead of a demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions.
Police denied permission for the proposed rally, citing security and procedural concerns, while prohibitory orders remained in force in parts of the capital.
