Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has voiced strong criticism against the central government regarding the extensive security restrictions imposed across the national capital. The measures were implemented in response to a scheduled protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) concerning the Special Intensive Revision row. Tharoor, who represents Thiruvananthapuram, characterized the government's response as a "war-like deployment" involving 22,000 police and paramilitary personnel.
Reporting on the logistical impact of these measures, the Congress leader highlighted the cancellation of 250 trains and the suspension of services at 45 metro stations. According to his observations, the city has been heavily fortified with concrete barriers and spike strips at various checkpoints. Tharoor also expressed concern over reports of young individuals being detained from their homes and public areas, describing the situation as an "undeclared Emer-GenZ."
The security clampdown has resulted in the restriction of public movement, with routes leading to Jantar Mantar—a site designated for peaceful dissent—declared inaccessible. Additionally, Tharoor condemned the suspension of internet services in parts of the city. He questioned the administration's prioritization of resources, contrasting the heavy security presence during the protests with the security provided for women's safety in the capital. The MP further noted that the government should address public queries regarding the integrity of elections rather than relying on repression.
Reports indicate that several CJP members, including Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, were detained upon their arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Their current whereabouts remain undisclosed to their colleagues. Tharoor emphasized that such measures do little to restore public faith in the Election Commission. He urged the authorities to release the detainees and cautioned that blocking protests with barricades only serves to deepen public suspicion regarding electoral processes.
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