Forty‑four Harvard University alumni signed and released a joint statement on Tuesday, condemning what they described as a negative public discourse and a concerted campaign against India’s constitutional institutions amid a Delhi protest over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy.
The protest, organized by opposition parties, demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after allegations that the SIR process was politically motivated and violated electoral fairness.
In their statement, the alumni group criticized a separate comment by about one hundred Harvard graduates who, under the university’s banner, weighed in on the protest and police response, calling the remarks irresponsible and unsubstantiated.
Dr. Ajay Kumar, a signatory and former Harvard political science professor, warned that the misuse of Harvard’s name to lend credibility to a political campaign undermines the institution’s neutrality and the integrity of India’s democratic processes.
The signatories urged Indian authorities to uphold the Constitution and rule of law, insisting that silence in the face of such attacks is unacceptable and that evidence‑based scrutiny should replace sweeping accusations.
The statement concludes with a demand that the Delhi Police review their handling of the protest, ensuring that law enforcement actions remain fair and transparent while protecting public trust.