New Delhi: The New York city mayor Zohran Mamdani has been accused by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of interfering in India’s internal affairs. Mamdani had written a personal letter to the jailed student activist Umar Khalid. As a result, New Delhi warned Mamdani and they will not tolerate such actions. A group of US lawmakers have also urged India to grant Umar Khalid bail and ensure a fair trial. No response has been given to them yet.
Gaurav Bhatia, BJP national spokesperson questioned Mr Mamdani’s authority. He said that the Zohran Mamdani has no authority to matters related to India’s judiciary and democracy. He further added that if India’s sovereignty is challenged then 140 crores will stand behind PM Narendra Modi. Bhatia emphasized that the Indian people had complete faith in country’s judicial system.
After this a handwritten note was circulated by X (formerly twitter) by Mr Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri. In the note Zohran Mamdani discussed about the bitterness that Umar Khalid must be facing. Mamdani stressed not to let the bitterness take hold. And informed him that he had met his parents and that they were all thinking of him.
Responding, Mr Bhatia said any outsider supporting an accused person and raising questions about India’s internal matters would not be tolerated. He alleged that such comments unfairly targeted India’s democratic institutions.
Umar Khalid has been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with provisions of the Indian Penal Code. In connection with the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots that left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. Authorities have alleged he was among the “masterminds” of the violence. Securing bail under the UAPA remains difficult, as the burden of proof lies heavily on the accused.
Meanwhile, according to The Hindu, eight US lawmakers wrote to Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra on December 30. Urging India to grant Mr Khalid bail and ensure a fair and timely trial in line with international law. The letter, shared publicly by Congressman Jim McGovern, followed meetings between the lawmakers and Mr Khalid’s parents earlier in December.
Also read: Zohran Mamdani Takes Oath as NYC Mayor, Addresses New Yorkers in First Speech
