Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Karnataka Congress, Telangana BJP Clash Over Umar Khalid
Two political leaders disagreed about how to describe activist Umar Khalid.
Karnataka Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad called Khalid a nationalist.
Telangana BJP leader N. Ramchander Rao said that description was wrong and demanded an apology.
Rao accused Khalid of supporting ideas that could divide India and of speaking about independence for Kashmir.
Hariprasad was defending a proposed documentary about Khalid.
The documentary was planned for screening at a law university in Bengaluru.
The student group ABVP opposed the screening.
Hariprasad attacked ABVP by referring to its alleged regard for Nathuram Godse.
The disagreement reflects a larger political argument over Khalid and the documentary.
Karnataka Congress President B.K. Hariprasad called imprisoned activist Umar Khalid a nationalist.
Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao condemned the description and demanded an apology.
Rao accused Khalid of supporting views about dividing India and seeking Kashmir’s independence.
Hariprasad criticised the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad for opposing a documentary screening at the National Law School of India University.
The proposed documentary, titled "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present," was made by filmmaker Lalit Vachani.
- Who
- B.K. Hariprasad, N. Ramchander Rao, Umar Khalid, and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad are central to the dispute.
- What
- Hariprasad called Umar Khalid a nationalist, while Rao condemned that description and demanded an apology.
- When
- Hariprasad made his remarks on Tuesday; Rao criticised them on Wednesday.
- Where
- The dispute concerns Karnataka, Telangana, and a proposed documentary screening at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru.
- Why
- The disagreement followed the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s opposition to a proposed screening of a documentary about Umar Khalid.
Congress and documentary supporters
BJP and ABVP critics
Umar Khalid's description
Congress and documentary supporters
B.K. Hariprasad described Umar Khalid as a nationalist.
BJP and ABVP critics
N. Ramchander Rao said it was unfortunate to call Khalid a nationalist and accused him of anti-national activities.
Documentary screening
Congress and documentary supporters
Hariprasad criticised the ABVP for opposing the proposed screening of a documentary about Khalid.
BJP and ABVP critics
The ABVP sought to cancel the proposed screening at the National Law School of India University.
Political criticism
Congress and documentary supporters
Hariprasad said the ABVP had no moral right to criticise Khalid and referred to its alleged regard for Nathuram Godse.
BJP and ABVP critics
Rao described the ABVP as a nationalist force and said it was the organisation that would oppose such remarks.
- Congress position
- B.K. Hariprasad called Umar Khalid a nationalist.
- BJP position
- N. Ramchander Rao called the description unfortunate and condemned it.
- Documentary
- "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present" was made by Lalit Vachani.
- Screening venue
- National Law School of India University in Bengaluru.
- Opposing organisation
- The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad opposed the proposed screening.
- Rao's demand
- He demanded that the Karnataka government apologise to the people.