Digvijaya Singh Calls Umar Khalid 'Innocent', BJP Shames Congress For Sympathising With 'Riot Mastermind'

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) on Monday fiercely criticised Congress leader Digvijaya Singh for defending Umar Khalid, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots, and calling him "innocent." Singh had claimed that Khalid was being "harassed" and unfairly targeted by authorities.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, in a video statement, slammed the Congress for what he called its "consistent support for terrorists and rioters." Poonawalla said, "Congress ka haath always terrorist aur dangaiya ke saath."

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He further questioned Singh’s remarks, accusing the Congress of lacking faith in the judiciary. "The judiciary has repeatedly rejected Umar Khalid's bail applications. Even Khalid's team has withdrawn his bail plea several times. The courts have confirmed that there is sufficient evidence linking Khalid to the conspiracy behind the riots, including charges of murder, unlawful assembly, hate speech, and violations under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act)," he added.

Poonawalla pointed out that the courts had confirmed Khalid's involvement in the riots, which resulted in over 50 deaths, and accused the Congress of doubting the judiciary’s decisions. He also criticised Singh for failing to express any sympathy for the victims of the Delhi riots, especially the family of Ankit Sharma, a victim of the violence. "Congress is more concerned with vote bank politics than standing with the victims of the Delhi riots," Poonawalla said. He further reminded Singh of his past controversial statements, including his support for those responsible for "spreading Hindu terror," and his comments on Osama bin Laden, which had caused public outrage.

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Singh had earlier addressed a crowd, expressing sympathy for Khalid, claiming that innocent people like him were being "troubled and harassed" by the authorities. He said, "...The way innocent people are being troubled and harassed, we don't see such incidents. We continue to fight and we have never compromised with people spreading hate and we'll never do so. We are no less, if we fight together we can win. I am with you."

The BJP's sharp rebuke of Singh's comments comes at a time when Khalid's legal battles continue, with the courts standing firm on the charges against him. The BJP has accused Congress of repeatedly siding with individuals accused of terrorism and rioting for political gain.