Harvard Community Raises Concerns Over Alumni Statement on India’s Democratic Institutions

October 14, 2026

New Delhi: A large group of Harvard University alumni expressed concern on Wednesday over the alleged negative propaganda and campaign against constitutional institutions in India. Amid ongoing protests in Delhi over the Election Commission and alleged “vote theft,” the group described the statement by Harvard alumni as worrying and disturbing.

Lawyers, policymakers, civil servants, scientists, and academics within the Harvard community alleged that the university’s name was being used to lend credibility to a political campaign without proper permission.

Indian citizens associated with Harvard and other prestigious universities who signed the statement said, “Silence cannot be used as an excuse for indifference at a time like this.”

Questions raised over Harvard alumnus’ statement

This response comes a day after a statement issued by nearly 100 Harvard alumni, students, faculty, and staff condemned the crackdown on the CJP-led protest in the national capital on October 10. They also alleged police brutality and violations of constitutional rights.

In response, another group from the Harvard community expressed serious concern over alleged attempts to defame constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of India, and Parliament.

Objection to Language Against Constitutional Institutions

The statement also strongly objected to language describing India as being in a state of “siege” and referring to constitutional functionaries as “thieves” or “compromised.”

The statement said, “This raises serious concerns about the intent to undermine public trust in democratic institutions.”

The signatories stated that law enforcement agencies should be subject to impartial investigations and reviews, but sweeping accusations and derogatory rhetoric cannot replace evidence.

Appeal to Respect the Constitution and the Rule of Law

The Harvard community statement appealed for respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and civil liberties at all times. It stated that these principles should not be followed only when they serve one’s own interests.

The statement said, “Our commitment should be to the Constitution, not convenience; to justice, not selective outrage; and to democratic institutions, not the politics of accusation.”

Harvard Club of India also issued clarification

A day earlier, the Harvard Club of India clarified that it had not issued any statement on behalf of the university regarding the ongoing protests in Delhi, nor had it endorsed any such statement.

The Club distanced itself from the letter attributed to Harvard alumni, stating that the statement did not represent the organization’s official stance. This indicated that the views expressed in the letter may be the personal views of the respective signatories.