BJP Accuses Congress of Defending Umar Khalid Amid Delhi Riots Controversy
BJP criticized Congress leader Digvijaya Singh for calling jailed activist Umar Khalid 'innocent' amid ongoing legal battles related to the 2020 Delhi riots. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari labeled Congress as 'Tukde Tukde Congress' for supporting Khalid and other accused figures, accusing the party of siding with anti-national elements. Singh defended Khalid as a victim of injustice and urged his release while BJP strongly condemned these remarks.
A political controversy unfolded after BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari attacked the Congress party following senior leader Digvijaya Singh's defense of Umar Khalid, who is jailed under UAPA charges connected to the 2020 Delhi riots. Singh described Khalid as 'completely innocent' and a victim of grave injustice, emphasizing Khalid’s academic background and calling for his immediate release. Bhandari countered strongly on social media, branding the Congress as 'Tukde Tukde Congress' for allegedly backing conspirators of the riots and labeling Congress and its ally RJD as supporters of anti-national elements. The BJP accused Congress of sympathizing with Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and other accused individuals, whose legal cases remain contentious with ongoing Supreme Court hearings on their bail pleas. BJP leaders condemned Singh’s remarks, asserting that sufficient evidence links Khalid to the violence, reaffirming the judiciary’s stance rejecting bail applications. This exchange highlights heightened political polarization around the legacy and legal treatment of the 2020 Delhi riots and the application of anti-terror laws in India.
