Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Hariprasad Defends Umar Khalid Remark Amid NLSIU Row
A political argument has started in Karnataka over a documentary about Umar Khalid.
Congress leader B K Hariprasad called Khalid a “nationalist.”
He said people should not be called “anti-national” simply because they disagree with the government.
The BJP and ABVP disagreed with Hariprasad.
The ABVP opposed the documentary screening at the National Law School of India University.
The university postponed the screening because of logistical and security concerns.
Hariprasad also criticised BJP leader B.Y. Vijayendra.
Khalid has been in custody since 2020 and denies the allegations against him.
Karnataka Congress president B K Hariprasad again called jailed activist Umar Khalid a “nationalist.”
Hariprasad refused to withdraw the remark and accused the BJP of labeling dissenters “anti-national.”
NLSIU postponed a proposed documentary screening on Khalid, citing logistical and security considerations.
The BJP and ABVP criticised Hariprasad’s comments, while the ABVP sought cancellation of the screening and an inquiry.
Hariprasad also attacked BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra and urged him to address differences within the BJP.
- Who
- Karnataka Congress president B K Hariprasad, activist Umar Khalid, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, the BJP, and the ABVP.
- What
- Hariprasad defended calling Khalid a “nationalist” amid a dispute over a proposed documentary screening at NLSIU.
- When
- The dispute followed NLSIU’s postponement of the proposed screening; Khalid has been in custody since 2020.
- Where
- The controversy is centred in Bengaluru and concerns the National Law School of India University.
- Why
- The dispute arose over the documentary screening, Khalid’s political characterisation, and accusations that dissenters are being labeled “anti-national.”
Hariprasad and Congress Position
BJP and ABVP Position
Umar Khalid’s description
Hariprasad and Congress Position
Hariprasad defended calling Khalid a “nationalist” and said labeling dissenters “anti-national” is inappropriate in a democracy.
BJP and ABVP Position
BJP leaders criticised Hariprasad’s description of Khalid.
Documentary screening
Hariprasad and Congress Position
Hariprasad criticised the ABVP for opposing the proposed screening.
BJP and ABVP Position
The ABVP demanded that the screening be cancelled and that the NLSIU administration be investigated.
Political criticism
Hariprasad and Congress Position
Hariprasad mocked B.Y. Vijayendra’s comments about the Congress having multiple “doors” and urged him to address divisions within the BJP.
BJP and ABVP Position
Vijayendra criticised the Congress, prompting Hariprasad’s response.
- Main speaker
- B K Hariprasad, Karnataka Congress president
- Controversial remark
- Hariprasad described Umar Khalid as a “nationalist” and refused to withdraw the comment.
- Institution
- National Law School of India University
- Screening status
- The proposed documentary screening on Khalid was postponed.
- Stated reason
- NLSIU cited logistical and security considerations.
- Opposition
- The BJP and ABVP criticised Hariprasad; the ABVP sought cancellation of the screening and an inquiry.
- Umar Khalid case
- Khalid has remained in custody since 2020 in connection with the Northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case and faces UAPA charges.