BJP Seeks Cancellation of Bengaluru Event Backing Umar Khalid
Party leaders raise law and order concerns over planned book discussion supporting jailed activist
The Karnataka unit of the BJP has urged Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner to cancel a proposed event expressing support for activist Umar Khalid, who is currently in jail in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case.
A delegation led by Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan met Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh on Monday and submitted a formal memorandum requesting that permission for the event be withdrawn.
According to sources, the programme is scheduled for April 28 in Bengaluru and will feature readings from the book Umar Khalid and His World, followed by a discussion involving historians and intellectuals.
In its memorandum, the BJP alleged that the event, organised under the platform “Umar Khalid Prapancha,” seeks to publicly support Khalid despite the serious charges he faces under anti terrorism laws. The party claimed that such events could indirectly promote anti national sentiments.
The memorandum also pointed to the Central government’s crackdown on Naxal activities, alleging that so called “urban Naxal” elements continue to operate and support disruptive causes. It further argued that Khalid’s prolonged denial of bail reflects the seriousness of the allegations against him.
Expressing concern, BJP leaders said that glorifying an accused individual could encourage unlawful activities. They also claimed that pro Khalid slogans and wall writings have appeared in parts of the city, suggesting growing support networks.
The party warned that allowing the event to proceed could potentially disturb public peace and said it would not be responsible for any law and order issues arising from it. It urged authorities to act in the interest of maintaining calm in the city.
Recently, the Supreme Court of India dismissed Khalid’s plea seeking a review of an earlier order denying him bail. The court observed that there were reasonable grounds to believe the allegations related to a larger conspiracy behind the riots.
The February 2020 violence in northeast Delhi erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens, resulting in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries.