BJP Welcomes Rejection of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam’s Bail, Calls It a Victory of Truth

The Supreme Court’s decision to reject the bail petitions of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case has been welcomed by the BJP, with party spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla describing it as a “victory of truth.” While the court granted bail to five other accused, it emphasized that the legal position of Khalid and Imam is distinct and denied them pre-trial release.

BJP’s Reaction

Speaking to the media, Poonawalla targeted the Congress party, asserting that it owes an apology to the nation for defending Khalid and Imam, who he referred to as the “poster boys of the ‘Tukde-Tukde’ gang.” He said, “The Supreme Court’s observations confirm that the Delhi riots were not spontaneous but orchestrated and premeditated. The Congress party continued to protect those who sought to divide India, and today it must apologize in light of the court’s judgment.”

Supreme Court Observations

Poonawalla highlighted that the apex court recognized prima facie evidence against Khalid and Imam under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to him, this demonstrates that the riots were organized rather than sudden outbreaks of violence.

Call for Accountability

The BJP spokesperson called on the Congress party and its ecosystem to acknowledge the court’s findings and apologize for attempting to shield Khalid and Imam. He added that these individuals were part of efforts that aimed to destabilize the nation, and the Supreme Court verdict reinforces the need for accountability.