India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for what it called “interference” in India’s internal affairs after he wrote a note to jailed student leader Umar Khalid. Party leaders warned that New Delhi would not tolerate foreign commentary on domestic legal matters.
The reaction followed the circulation of a handwritten note from Mr Mamdani to Mr Khalid, which was shared on social media by Mr Khalid’s partner. In the message, the mayor recalled Mr Khalid’s reflections on bitterness and expressed solidarity with his family.
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BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia questioned Mr Mamdani’s authority to comment on India’s democracy and judiciary. He asserted that India’s sovereignty would be defended collectively and said citizens had full confidence in the country’s legal institutions.
Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid.
December 2025. #FreeUmarKhalid#FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners pic.twitter.com/QTYe06cRp5— banojyotsna … (@banojyotsna) January 1, 2026
Earlier this month, I met with the parents of Umar Khalid, who has been jailed in India for over 5 years without trial. @RepRaskin & I are leading our colleagues to urge that he be granted bail & a fair, timely trial in accordance with international law. pic.twitter.com/tBIbG1aOwc
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) December 30, 2025
Mr Bhatia argued that any public support for an accused person amounted to unwarranted interference. He said such actions were unfair and inappropriate, particularly when directed at India’s internal judicial processes.
Notably, the BJP did not comment on reports that several US lawmakers have written to the Indian government seeking bail and a fair trial for Mr Khalid. According to media reports, eight American legislators urged India to ensure that proceedings meet international legal standards.
The lawmakers’ letter was shared publicly by Democratic Congressman Jim McGovern, who said he and other legislators had met Mr Khalid’s parents in December. The signatories included members of the US Congress and Senate, some of whom have previously raised concerns over human rights issues in India.
Umar Khalid has been jailed under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, along with provisions of the Indian Penal Code, in connection with the February 2020 Delhi riots. The violence resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries.
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Securing bail under the UAPA is widely considered difficult, as the burden of proof lies heavily on the accused. Human rights groups and legal experts have repeatedly questioned the prolonged detention of activists under the law.
The episode has once again highlighted tensions between India and international observers over issues of civil liberties, judicial process, and the boundaries of foreign political engagement.