BJP links Rahul Gandhi to US lawmakers’ call for a ‘fair trial’ for Umar Khalid

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has objected to a letter by a group of US lawmakers seeking a “fair and timely trial” for activist Umar Khalid. The party alleged a link between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and what it described as an “anti-India” group behind the letter.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that whenever criticism against India is raised on international platforms, Rahul Gandhi’s name appears in the background. He made the remarks while reacting to the letter sent to India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

BJP alleges link between Rahul Gandhi and US lawmakers

According to the BJP, eight US lawmakers urged India to grant bail and a free trial to Umar Khalid. Khalid has been in jail for nearly five years in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case.

Bhandari claimed that US Representative Jan Schakowsky, one of the signatories, met Rahul Gandhi in 2024. He alleged that the meeting also included Congress leader Sam Pitroda and US lawmaker Ilhan Omar. Sharing photographs from the meeting, Bhandari said Rahul Gandhi’s name keeps recurring in what he called “anti-India narratives.”

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What the US lawmakers’ letter said

The letter was signed by US Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Rashid Tlaib and Indian-origin Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, among others. It raised concerns over the prolonged pre-trial detention of individuals accused in the February 2020 Delhi violence.

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider and Khalid Saifi have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code. They are accused of conspiring in the riots that left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured.

Human rights concerns and other reactions

The lawmakers said India and the US share a long-standing partnership rooted in democratic values and constitutional governance. Therefore, they added, both nations have a shared responsibility to uphold the rule of law and human rights.

The letter also cited concerns raised by human rights groups, legal experts and global media over the fairness of the investigation. Separately, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote a personal note to Khalid, recalling his words on bitterness. The note was later shared on social media by Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri.

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