New Delhi – India has expressed its disapproval of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani writing a note to jailed activist Umar Khalid. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that public representatives should respect the independence of the judiciary in other democratic nations.

Mamdani, who is of Indian origin, reportedly handed a handwritten note to Khalid when the activist's parents met him in the US last month. In the note, Mamdani conveyed his solidarity with Khalid, who has been in jail since September 2020. He was arrested by the Delhi Police and booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue during a press briefing, emphasizing the importance of respecting the judicial independence of other countries. "We expect public representatives to be respectful of the independence of the judiciary in other democracies," Jaiswal said. He further added, "Expressing personal prejudices does not behove those in office. Instead of such comments, it would be better to focus on the responsibilities entrusted to them".

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also criticized Mamdani's actions, accusing him of interfering in India's internal matters. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia asserted that India would not tolerate any such interference, emphasizing the public's faith in the Indian judiciary. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) also condemned Mamdani's note, alleging that he was supporting individuals who promote the division of India and insulting the Quran.

Mamdani's note to Khalid included the message, "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". The note was shared on social media by Khalid's partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri.

The controversy surrounding Mamdani's note comes in the wake of a letter from eight US lawmakers to the Indian Ambassador in Washington, urging a fair trial for Khalid. The BJP has alleged that these expressions of support for Khalid are part of a broader anti-India conspiracy originating in the US, implicating Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. They cited Gandhi's 2024 meeting with US lawmaker Janice Schakowsky, one of the signatories of the letter, as evidence of these alleged links.