The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday (January 2, 2026) accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of “interfering” in India’s internal affairs after he wrote a note to jailed activist Umar Khalid. This came after Mr. Mamdani wrote a note for Mr. Khalid, recalling his words on "bitterness" and the importance of not letting it consume one's self. Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid," the caption accompanying the note said. We are all thinking of you," the handwritten note signed by Mr. Mamdani said. Reacting sharply, Mr. Bhatia charged, "If anybody comes out in support of any accused and interferes in India's internal matters, the country will not tolerate it."

Source: The Hindu January 02, 2026 18:40 UTC