Congress leader Rahul Gandhi issued a video statement sharply criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and senior administrative officials over the extensive security measures and fortification implemented across Delhi to suppress democratic demonstrations. Addressing the youth of the nation before attending the Chhatro Ki Goonj event in Chennai, Gandhi offered his full backing to protesters on the ground and encouraged them to continue their demonstrations, vowing that the opposition will not retreat in its defense of the Constitution. He argued that despite the deployment of tens of thousands of police officers and the arrest of leaders, efforts to safeguard the voices of Indian citizens will persist.
Meanwhile, a televised panel debate scrutinized the security clampdown, massive police presence, and administrative restrictions enforced throughout the capital following confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement personnel. Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Radhika Khera defended the actions taken by Delhi Police, which included detentions, closed metro stations, and the suspension of train services, arguing that these measures were necessary to prevent hooliganism and maintain public order. Other panelists, including Sanjay Jha, Congress spokesperson Pooja Tripathi, and former police officer Vikram Singh, discussed constitutional guarantees for peaceful assembly, the enforcement of Section 163, designated gathering permissions at Jantar Mantar, and reported instances of clashes and stone pelting in areas such as Connaught Place.