Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has voiced strong criticism against the sweeping restrictions implemented across Delhi, labelling the situation an 'undeclared Emer-GenZ.' His remarks came on Saturday following a significant security buildup and public movement curbs ahead of a planned protest.
Extensive Restrictions Imposed Across Capital
Tharoor highlighted the unprecedented scale of security arrangements he observed upon returning to the national capital. These measures included checkpoints every few hundred meters, concrete barriers, spike strips on roads, and the deployment of approximately 22,000 police and paramilitary personnel. Authorities also cancelled 250 train services and closed 45 metro stations.
Adding to the concerns, Tharoor pointed out reports of young people being detained from their homes and various locations across Delhi. He specifically condemned the suspension of internet services in the heart of the capital, describing it as a 'regressive' and 'repressive' act.
Questioning Democratic Freedoms
The restrictions were put in place in anticipation of a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, which aimed to raise questions regarding election integrity, specifically concerning the Chief Election Commissioner and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Tharoor argued that these measures severely curtailed the freedom of movement, undermining the very purpose of Jantar Mantar as a designated site for peaceful demonstrations. He questioned the decision to declare roads leading to the protest site out of bounds, stating, “Freedom of movement stands completely shackled.”
“Our GenZ deserves better than an undeclared Emer-GenZ. A government confident in the fairness of its elections would welcome questions about them, whereas one that turns its capital into a fortress to avoid them only deepens the very suspicions it seeks to suppress.”
Call for Answers, Not Repression
The Congress MP asserted that a government confident in its electoral process should welcome scrutiny rather than impose restrictions on public gatherings. He warned that treating the national capital like a fortress could deepen public suspicion instead of addressing legitimate concerns.
Tharoor concluded by emphasizing that the strength of a democracy is measured by how it treats those who question its functioning. He called the situation in Delhi “utterly shameful and unconscionable,” urging the government to provide answers and allow for expression instead of resorting to repression.