Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the security arrangements in Delhi amid the CJP protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. In a statement shared on X on October 10, 2026, Tharoor questioned the heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel and the restrictions reportedly imposed across the national capital.
According to the ABP Live report, Tharoor described the situation as unprecedented in his experience, saying he returned to Delhi after 2 AM and witnessed extensive security measures across the city.
Tharoor Questions Heavy Security Deployment
Tharoor claimed that around 22,000 police personnel and paramilitary forces had been deployed across Delhi in what he described as a war-like arrangement. He also referred to checkpoints at short intervals, concrete barricades and spike strips on roads.
The report further cited Tharoor’s claims that 250 trains had been cancelled and 45 metro stations had been closed. These figures reflect the claims reported by ABP Live and have not been independently verified here.
Concerns Over Detention of Protesters
The Congress MP expressed concern over reports that young people were being detained from their homes and streets in Delhi and nearby areas. He argued that such actions could prevent citizens from peacefully raising questions about the fairness of elections.
Tharoor also criticised the reported internet restrictions in parts of the capital, describing them as particularly troubling. He said restrictions on movement had made it difficult for citizens to reach Jantar Mantar, a designated location for public demonstrations.
‘Detained People Must Be Released’
Tharoor called for the release of those detained during the protests. He also questioned whether authorities would impose similar restrictions if demonstrators returned on Monday.
He argued that a government confident in the electoral process should welcome questions about its fairness rather than respond by imposing extensive security restrictions.
Election Commission Faces Questions
Tharoor maintained that barricades and security deployments alone would not restore public confidence in the Election Commission. He called for the institution to respond to concerns raised by citizens about the electoral process.
He also stressed that the strength of a democracy should be judged by how it treats people who question its functioning.
CJP Protest Intensifies Political Debate
The remarks came amid heightened security in Delhi during demonstrations associated with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and opposition groups over the SIR exercise and demands concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Several CJP leaders and other protesters were reportedly detained as police restricted access to protest locations. The developments have intensified the political debate over electoral transparency, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly.
The coming days may see further demonstrations, with opposition groups indicating that their campaign over voting rights and electoral fairness will continue.
Source note: This report is based on the supplied ABP Live article. Statements attributed to Shashi Tharoor and reported figures on security deployment, train cancellations and metro closures have not been independently verified.
