BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
The BJP on Friday (January 2, 2025) accused New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani of “interfering” in India’s internal affairs by writing a memo on jailed activist Umar Khalid, saying India would not tolerate any such efforts.
BJP national spokesman Gaurav Bhatia, who questioned Mr Mamdani’s active stance on commenting on India’s internal affairs, also warned the New York City mayor against such efforts, saying: “If India’s sovereignty is challenged, 140 million Indians will stand united under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
He added that the people of India have “full confidence” in the country’s judiciary.
This came after Mr Mamdani wrote a letter to Mr Khalid, recalling his words about “bitterness” and the importance of not letting it consume you.
The note was posted on X by Mr. Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri. “Words travel as prisons struggle to isolate. Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid,” the note’s caption read.
“Dear Umar, I often think of your words about bitterness and the importance of not letting it consume you. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you,” read a handwritten note signed by Mr Mamdani.
Reacting sharply, Mr. Bhatia said, “If anyone comes out in support of any accused and interferes in India’s internal affairs, the country will not tolerate it.”
“Who is this outsider who is raising questions about our democracy and judiciary and that he is also coming in support of a person who wants to break India? This is not fair,” a BJP spokesperson said at a press conference at the party headquarters here when asked about Mamdani’s remark.
Mr. Khalid and several others were charged under the tough anti-terrorism law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967 and provisions of the IPC for allegedly being the “masterminds” of the February 2020 Delhi riots that left 53 dead and more than 700 injured.
Getting bail under the UAPA is difficult for those booked under this Act as the onus is on the accused to prove that the case is false.
Published – 02 Jan 2026 17:44 IST
