NEW DELHI, JAN 2: The BJP on Friday criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for writing a note to jailed activist Umar Khalid, calling it an attempt to interfere in India’s internal matters and warning against what it described as external commentary on the country’s judiciary.
BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said India would not accept such actions from foreign political figures. “India is a sovereign nation, and any effort to interfere in its internal affairs will not be tolerated,” he said.
Bhatia asserted that the country’s democratic institutions are strong and enjoy public confidence. “The people of India have complete faith in the judiciary,” he added.
The statement followed the circulation of Mamdani’s handwritten note on social media. The note, addressed to Khalid, was posted on X by Banojyotsna Lahiri, who described it as a message of solidarity.
In the note, Mamdani recalled Khalid’s reflections on bitterness and urged resilience, adding that he had met Khalid’s parents and that he was thinking of him.
Responding to media queries, Bhatia questioned Mamdani’s standing in commenting on the case. “Who is this outsider to comment on our democracy and judicial system, especially while supporting someone accused of serious crimes?” he said.
Khalid has been charged under the UAPA and sections of the IPC for allegedly being among the key conspirators in the 2020 Delhi riots. Bail under the anti-terror law is difficult, as the burden of proof lies on the accused.
