BJP questions NYC Mayor’s ‘locus standi’ over note for jailed activist Umar Khalid
The BJP on Friday accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of “interfering” in India’s internal matters after he wrote a note for jailed activist Umar Khalid, asserting that the country would not tolerate any such attempt. Questioning Mamdani’s locus standi, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav
The BJP on Friday accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of “interfering” in India’s internal matters after he wrote a note for jailed activist Umar Khalid, asserting that the country would not tolerate any such attempt. Questioning Mamdani’s locus standi, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav
The BJP on Friday accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of “interfering” in India’s internal matters after he wrote a note for jailed activist Umar Khalid, asserting that the country would not tolerate any such attempt. Questioning Mamdani’s locus standi, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav
The BJP on Friday accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of “interfering” in India’s internal matters after he wrote a note for jailed activist Umar Khalid, asserting that the country would not tolerate any such attempt.
Questioning Mamdani’s locus standi, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said India’s judiciary enjoys the complete faith of its people. “If India’s sovereignty is challenged, 140 crore Indians will stand united under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said at a press conference.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) also criticised Mamdani for writing the note, alleging that he had come out in defence of “criminals who talk about dividing India”.
The reactions came after Mamdani wrote a handwritten note to Khalid, recalling his words on “bitterness” and the importance of not letting it consume oneself. The note was shared on the social media platform X by Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri.
“When prisons try to isolate, words travel. Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid,” Lahiri wrote, sharing the note, which read: “Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume oneself. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you.”
Separately, a group of US lawmakers wrote to India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, urging a fair and timely trial for Khalid in accordance with international law.
Reacting to this, Bhatia said India would not accept interference in its internal affairs or comments supporting accused persons. He also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he engages with “anti-India forces” during his foreign visits and spreads “falsehoods” about the country.
Khalid and others have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, and provisions of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly being “masterminds” of the February 2020 Delhi riots, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. Bail under the UAPA is difficult, as the burden of proof lies on the accused.
VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal criticised both Mamdani and the US lawmakers, accusing them of selectively speaking up on India while remaining silent on attacks against Hindus elsewhere. He said Mamdani should have verified the facts before writing the note and asked him to “introspect”.