New Delhi:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday strongly objected to a handwritten note written by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to jailed activist Umar Khalid, accusing the US leader of interfering in India’s internal affairs. The ruling party also alleged the existence of an “anti-India narrative” being promoted from foreign soil, claiming that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was linked to such efforts.
The controversy erupted after Mamdani wrote a personal note to Khalid, who has been incarcerated since 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the February 2020 Delhi riots. The note, shared on social media by Khalid’s partner Banojyotsna Lahiri, spoke about resisting bitterness and conveyed solidarity with Khalid and his family.
Reacting sharply, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia questioned Mamdani’s authority to comment on India’s judicial process. “Who is this outsider to raise questions on India’s democracy and judiciary? India will not tolerate interference in its internal matters,” Bhatia said at a press conference, asserting that the nation’s judiciary enjoys the complete faith of its people.
The BJP also raised concerns over a letter written by eight US lawmakers to Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra, seeking a fair and timely trial for Khalid and urging bail for him. The lawmakers cited international human rights standards and expressed doubts over the evidence used to charge Khalid.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged a larger conspiracy, claiming that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s interactions with US lawmakers had encouraged foreign вмеш. He pointed to Gandhi’s 2024 meeting with US lawmakers Jan Schakowsky and Ilhan Omar, noting that Schakowsky later introduced the ‘Combating International Islamophobia Act’, which, according to the BJP, made references to India.
“Every time an anti-India narrative is pushed abroad, Rahul Gandhi’s name surfaces,” Bhandari claimed, alleging a pattern linking foreign legislative actions with the Congress leader’s overseas engagements.
Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also condemned Mamdani’s note, accusing him of supporting individuals accused of attempting to divide India. VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal criticised US lawmakers for raising concerns over Khalid while remaining silent on attacks against Hindus and temples in the US and alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Khalid and several others have been accused by Delhi Police of being “masterminds” behind the 2020 riots, which claimed 53 lives and left over 700 injured. The case remains under trial.
The issue has sparked sharp political reactions, with the BJP maintaining that India’s sovereignty, judicial independence, and internal security laws cannot be questioned by foreign leaders or institutions.