Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned police use of force against protesters during the first day of the Parliament Monsoon Session on July 20, 2026 [2].
The incident highlights growing tensions between security forces and civil demonstrators in New Delhi, raising questions about the balance between public order and democratic rights.
Speaking inside the Lok Sabha, Tharoor addressed the police lathi-charge that occurred during a protest at Jantar Mantar. He said, "Lathi-charge is an act of violence" [1]. The lawmaker argued that the use of force against a non-violent demonstration violated fundamental democratic principles [1].
Tharoor urged that the legislative body serve as a space for dialogue rather than a backdrop for police crackdowns. He said, "Parliament should be a platform to discuss issues concerning people" [1]. He further stated that peaceful protests should not be met with force [2].
The protests coincided with the opening of the session on July 20, 2026 [2]. While the opposition focused on the police action, other political shifts marked the session's start. Reports indicate that 37 opposition MPs crossed over to the NDA during the session [2].
Tharoor maintained that the government must ensure the safety of citizens exercising their right to assemble. He suggested that the crackdown on demonstrators undermines the spirit of the democratic process — a sentiment echoed by other members of the opposition during the proceedings [1].
“"Lathi-charge is an act of violence"”
The clash between police and protesters at Jantar Mantar, coupled with the defection of 37 MPs to the NDA, suggests a volatile political atmosphere as the Monsoon Session begins. Tharoor's criticism reflects a broader opposition strategy to frame the government's security measures as an infringement on civil liberties, potentially setting the tone for legislative confrontations throughout the session.
