New York Mayor Mamdani's Letter to Umar Khalid Sparks Controversy

• New York's first Muslim and youngest Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, wrote a handwritten letter to imprisoned former student leader Umar Khalid.
• The letter, shared by Khalid's partner Banajyotsna Lahiri, stated, 'We are thinking of you,' igniting debate in Indian media.
• Umar Khalid was arrested five years ago in 2020 under the UAPA Act for alleged conspiracy in the Delhi riots; his trial has not yet begun.
• Eight other American lawmakers, including Pramila Jayapal, also advocated for Khalid's bail and speedy trial, writing to the Indian Ambassador.
• Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal strongly criticized Mamdani, questioning his intervention and alleged bias towards Muslim individuals.

Why It Matters: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's solidarity letter to Umar Khalid ignites a political storm.