New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for what it described as interference in India’s internal affairs after he wrote a note to jailed activist Umar Khalid, asserting that the country will not accept any such actions.

Raising questions over Mamdani’s authority to comment on India’s domestic issues, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia warned against attempts to challenge the nation’s sovereignty, stating, "If India's sovereignty is challenged, 140 crore Indians will stand united under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership”. He also said that the people of India repose full trust in the country’s judicial system.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) also reacted strongly, condemning Mamdani’s message to Khalid and accusing him of defending individuals who, it alleged, seek to divide the country. The organisation further claimed that Mamdani had insulted the Quran by supporting such figures.

Mamdani’s handwritten note to Khalid, shared on social media platform X by Khalid’s partner Banojyotsna Lahiri, referred to Khalid’s reflections on bitterness and resilience. The post carried the caption, "When prisons try to isolate, words travel. Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid." The note read, "Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one's self. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you," and was signed by Mamdani.
 

Separately, a group of US lawmakers wrote to India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, calling for a fair and timely trial for Khalid in line with international law.

Responding to these developments, Bhatia said, "If anybody comes out in support of any accused and interferes in India's internal matters, the country will not tolerate it." He questioned Mamdani’s actions, asking, "Who is this outsider to raise questions on our democracy and judiciary, and that too coming in support of a person who wants to break India? This is not fair."

The BJP spokesperson also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of associating with what he termed “anti-India forces” during his overseas visits and of spreading “misinformation” about the country. Bhatia further alleged that Gandhi maintains ties with figures such as George Soros and US lawmaker Ilhan Omar, adding, "This is not fair. People of India will never forgive him."

Umar Khalid, along with others, has been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, and Sections of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly being among the “masterminds” behind the February 2020 Delhi riots, which resulted in 53 deaths and left more than 700 injured. Bail under the UAPA is difficult, as the burden of proving the case false lies with the accused.

Reacting to the letter by US lawmakers, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal accused them of selective outrage, saying, "The so-called US lawmakers and the New York City Mayor are standing by criminals in India but keep mum on what's happening in Bangladesh. They also keep mum when Hindus and their temples are attacked in the US."

Criticising Mamdani further, Bansal said the mayor should have verified the facts before writing to Khalid. He remarked, "What kind of mindset is this? Standing by killers… The newly elected mayor, who took an oath on the Quran, is insulting it. This is not right," and urged Mamdani to reflect on his actions.

PTI