New Delhi, September 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao has criticised Karnataka Congress President B.K. Hariprasad for describing jailed activist Umar Khalid as a “nationalist”, calling the remark unfortunate and condemning what he described as the political endorsement of Khalid.
Hariprasad made the comment on Tuesday amid a controversy over the proposed screening of filmmaker Lalit Vachani’s documentary Prisoner No. 626710 is Present at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru. The screening was postponed, with the university citing logistical and security considerations. The ABVP has opposed the proposed screening.
Speaking to IANS, Rao said it was “very unfortunate” for Karnataka leaders to issue what he described as a “certificate” of nationalism to Khalid. He alleged that Khalid had made statements concerning Kashmir and the unity of India and accused him of involvement in activities he characterised as anti-national.
Rao also defended the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), describing it as a nationalist student organisation and saying it was among the groups opposing Hariprasad’s remarks. He demanded an apology from the Karnataka government to the people of the state and the country.
Hariprasad, while defending Khalid, had said the ABVP had no right to criticise him and alleged that the organisation admired Nathuram Godse, whom he described as “anti-national” and “the first terrorist of the country”.
The remarks have triggered a fresh political confrontation between the BJP and Congress over Khalid, who has been in custody since 2020 in connection with the Northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case and is facing trial.
The controversy has also brought renewed focus on the proposed NLSIU documentary screening and the competing positions of student organisations and political parties over its proposed presentation on campus.
FOLLOW NOW
