NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Writes to Jailed Activist Umar Khalid; Congress Backs, VHP Slams 'Interference'

In a move sparking a political storm, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a personal letter to jailed activist Umar Khalid, saying 'I think of your words on bitterness often'. The letter, surfacing after eight US lawmakers urged a fair trial for Khalid, was welcomed by Congress leader Udit Raj but slammed by the VHP as 'selective outrage'. India Today Global Editor Pranay Upadhyaya analyses the impact of this 'running commentary' on India's judicial process, noting that while the Supreme Court is seized of the bail plea, such international interventions are seen by many as lobbying.