A group of at least 44 signatories affiliated with different schools and centres at Harvard University has raised concerns over what it described as a “concerted campaign” against India's constitutional institutions following an Opposition-led protest in Delhi.

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The statement, released on October 14, came amid demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The signatories, writing in their individual capacities, also expressed concern over reports that Harvard University's name had been used without appropriate authorisation to lend credibility to a political campaign. They were responding to an earlier statement by around 100 Harvard alumni who had commented on the Delhi protest and the police response to the gathering.

The latest statement criticised language portraying India as being under “siege” and describing constitutional authorities as “thieves” or “compromised”. According to the signatories, such rhetoric could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

They acknowledged that law enforcement actions to maintain public order should be open to fair scrutiny. However, they argued that broad accusations and abusive language should not replace evidence, due process or institutional accountability.

The statement also emphasised respect for public servants, constitutional principles and the rule of law, arguing that these values should be upheld consistently rather than selectively.

The exchange highlights differing views among Harvard-affiliated individuals over political expression, electoral transparency and the role of democratic institutions in India. The disagreement also raises questions about how alumni statements are represented publicly and whether the university's name is being used with proper authorisation.