The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday gave a sharp response to New York City‘s newly appointed Mayor Zohran Mamdani over the latter’s note to jailed activist Umar Khalid.
“We expect public representatives to be respectful of the independence of the judiciary in other democracies. 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,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal in a press briefing.
What had Mamdani written in the note?
Earlier this month, a photograph of the note by Mamdani was shared on X on Thursday by Khalid’s friend, Banojyotsna Lahiri on the same day Mamdani was ceremonially sworn in as mayor.
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.”
It was reportedly handed over to Khalid’s parents when Mamdani met them during their visit to the US in December 2025. Khalid’s parents had reportedly travelled to the country to meet their daughter.
Umar Khalid’s recent bail denial
Khalid, who is currently jailed in the 2020 Delhi Riots conspiracy case, which claimed over 50 lives, was denied bail by the Supreme Court in a recent ruling. Sharjeel Imam was also denied bail by the apex court, citing a prima facie case against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria said that a delay in trial cannot automatically override legal protection.
The court, however, granted bail to other accused, identified as Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad.
All of them had been booked under the UAPA and various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, for allegedly being among the “masterminds” behind the 2020 riots.