“Umar Khalid Is a Nationalist”: B. K. Hariprasad’s Remark Sparks Political Row in Karnataka

Karnataka Congress president B. K. Hariprasad’s description of Umar Khalid as a “nationalist” has triggered a fresh political controversy in the state, following a dispute over the proposed screening of a documentary on Khalid at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. Hariprasad made the remark on September 15 while responding to opposition from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to the proposed screening.

Hariprasad defended Khalid and questioned the ABVP’s standing to comment on him. He also criticised the organisation over its views on Nathuram Godse, whom he described in strongly condemnatory terms. The remarks came after the ABVP demanded that the proposed screening of filmmaker Lalit Vachani’s documentary “Prisoner No. 626710 Is Present” be cancelled and sought an inquiry into the university administration.

The proposed documentary screening at NLSIU was postponed, with reports citing security and logistical considerations. The film focuses on Khalid’s arrest and prolonged pre-trial incarceration. Khalid was arrested in September 2020 and booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots case. The proceedings against him remain a matter of legal and political debate.

The ABVP has strongly objected to Hariprasad’s characterization of Khalid, questioning how the Congress leader could describe him as a nationalist while referring to controversies surrounding Khalid, including allegations concerning support for Afzal Guru and the wider debate around slogans associated with the 2016 JNU controversy. These are claims and political allegations made by the organisation and remain part of the ongoing political dispute.

The controversy has consequently moved beyond the proposed NLSIU screening and into a wider political debate over nationalism, freedom of expression, student activism and the role of political organisations on university campuses. With opposing sides now publicly challenging each other’s interpretation of nationalism, Hariprasad’s “nationalist” remark is likely to remain a point of political contention in Karnataka.