Harvard-Linked Group Questions Alumni Statement on Delhi Protests
New Delhi, October 14, 2026 — A group of Indians associated with Harvard University and other prominent institutions has expressed concern over what it described as a campaign against India’s constitutional institutions, questioning a recent statement by Harvard alumni condemning police action during protests in Delhi over alleged “vote chori”.
The group, comprising individuals from fields including law, public policy, civil services, science and academia, objected to the reported use of Harvard University’s name to lend credibility to a political position without appropriate authorization. “In moments such as these, silence cannot be an excuse for indifference,” the signatories said, raising concerns over what they described as negative public discourse surrounding India’s democratic institutions.
The statement comes a day after around 100 Harvard alumni, including students, faculty members and staff, reportedly condemned the police response to protests led by Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) in New Delhi on October 10. The alumni alleged police brutality and violations of constitutional rights.
Objections to Language and Institutional Discrediting
A statement from the group criticized attempts to discredit institutions such as the Election Commission of India, the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of India and Parliament. The statement objected to language describing India as being under “siege” and referring to constitutional authorities as “thieves” or “compromised.”
“This raises serious concerns about the intent to undermine public trust in democratic institutions,” the group said. Signatories maintained that law enforcement agencies should be subject to fair scrutiny but argued that broad accusations and abusive language could not replace evidence.
The group called for consistent respect for the Constitution, the rule of law and civil liberties. “Our commitment must remain to the Constitution, not convenience; to justice, not selective outrage; and to democratic institutions, not the politics of accusation,” signatories said.
Harvard Club of India Distances Itself
The Harvard Club of India clarified it had neither endorsed nor issued a statement on behalf of Harvard University regarding the Delhi protests. The organization distanced itself from the reported alumni letter, saying it did not represent the organization’s official position.