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If you have been following Indian media, you know Arnab Goswami does not pull punches.

In a recent fiery monologue on Republic TV, he aimed at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for writing a supportive letter to jailed Indian activist Umar Khalid.

Goswami called it part of a “global toolkit” meddling in India’s affairs, while highlighting alleged Hypocrisy in Mamdani’s activism.

However, how much of this holds up under scrutiny?

As tensions simmer between personal gestures and national pride, we have dug into the facts behind Goswami’s main points.

Drawing from court records, census data, and recent news reports, here is a straightforward breakdown.

The Backdrop: A Letter Sparks Outrage

It started with Mamdani’s handwritten note to Khalid, shared online just after the NYC mayor’s inauguration.

The message was brief:

Reflections on Khalid’s words about avoiding bitterness, a nod to meeting his parents, and a closing line that “we are all thinking of you.”

Goswami saw this as interference, especially timed with India’s Supreme Court denying bail to Khalid and Sharjeel Imam on January 5, 2026.

Goswami tied it to broader themes: selective outrage, misinformation about India, and warnings of a “deep state” network.

Let us verify his specific claims one by one.

Claim 1: Supreme Court Bail Denial For “Dangerous” Figures

Goswami described Khalid and Imam as “very dangerous people” linked to the “Tukra Tukra gang,” referencing alleged calls to divide India.

Fact: The Supreme Court denied bail on January 5, 2026, citing a prima facie case under anti-terror laws. Five others got relief, but the court noted Khalid and Imam’s roles warranted denial. They can reapply in a year. True, with the court’s reasoning aligning with the gravity of charges.

Claim 2: Inflammatory Statements By Khalid And Imam

He alleged the Imam spoke of cutting off the Northeast via the “chicken’s neck” and using Muslim numerical dominance to break India.

Fact: Imam’s 2020 speeches did reference blocking the Siliguri Corridor (chicken’s neck) for protests, urging unity to disrupt supplies. No direct Khalid quotes match, but he is accused of provocative speeches tied to riots. The Imam’s words are verified in videos and court records. Mostly true for Imam; less direct for Khalid.

Claim 3: Mamdani’s Letter As Part Of A “Global Toolkit”

Goswami called the note hypocritical interference.

Fact: The letter’s content is accurate, personal and supportive, no calls for release. It is seen by some as solidarity, by others as overreach. No evidence of a coordinated “toolkit,” but it fits Goswami’s narrative of foreign commentary on Indian cases. Partially true, but the “toolkit” angle is interpretive.

Claim 4: Silence On Hindu Victims In Bangladesh

He listed attacks: Dipu Chandra Das (lynched December 18), Amrit Mandal (lynched), Bajendra Biswas (shot), Kokondas (attacked December 31).

Fact: These incidents occurred amid the 2025 unrest in Bangladesh. Names match reports, Das in Mymensingh, Mandal in Rajbari, Biswas at a factory, and Khokon Das (likely Kokondas) in Shariatpur. Mamdani has not publicly addressed them. True.

Claim 5: Mamdani’s “Eradicated” Claim On Gujarat Muslims

Goswami quoted Mamdani, saying Muslims were “eradicated” post-2002 riots, calling it illiterate.

Fact: Mamdani has said this multiple times, claiming shock that people do not believe Gujarati Muslims exist. Census shows Gujarat’s Muslims at ~6 million, USA’s at ~4.5 million. Gujarat has more. True, Mamdani’s statement is exaggerated.

Claim 6: Mamdani Calls Modi A “War Criminal”

Fact: Yes, Mamdani has repeatedly called Modi a “war criminal” over the 2002 riots, comparing him to Netanyahu. True.

Claim 7: Trump’s Meeting With Al-Sharaa And Hypocrisy

Goswami noted Trump praising Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa (ex-HTS leader) as “young, attractive, tough with a strong past,” while Mamdani stays silent.

Fact: They met in 2025/2026; Trump used those words. Mamdani has not criticized it publicly. True.

Claim 8: Khalid’s Speeches Equivalent To Terror Slogans

Goswami suggested Khalid’s words like “Inshallah” would get him arrested in NYC.

Fact: Khalid’s speeches focused on protests against CAA, urging non-violence. No Osama references or direct terror links found. Exaggerated, false equivalence.

Claim 9: Delhi Riots Toll And Khalid’s Role

50+ died; Goswami linked to Khalid’s “chaka jam” strategy.

Fact: Official toll 53. Khalid is accused of conspiracy, but no direct violence. Courts see a prima facie case. Toll accurate; role under trial.

Claim 10: Warnings Of “Deep State” In Bangladesh/Nepal

Goswami claimed he predicted such influences.

Fact: His shows from 2024-2025 warned of “deep state” toolkits in Nepal/Bangladesh unrest.

Events unfolded similarly. True, he did highlight patterns.

To sum it up visually, here is a quick table of Goswami’s claims:

Claim	Goswami	Verification
SC Bail Denial	Denied to dangerous figures	True
Imam’s Speeches	Calls to divide India	True
Mamdani’s Letter	Hypocritical interference	Partially True
Bangladesh Attacks	Specific Hindu victims ignored	True
Gujarat Muslims Quote	“Eradicated” claim false	True (exaggerated)
Muslim Populations	Gujarat has more than USA	True
Modi as War Criminal	Mamdani’s label	True
Trump-al-Sharaa Meeting	Silence shows hypocrisy	True
Khalid’s Slogans	Terror-equivalent	False
Riots Death Toll	50+ from strategy	True (toll); Partial (role)
Deep State Predictions	Warned about Bangladesh/Nepal	True

Why This Matters For Americans

This is not just an Indian story; it is about how global figures like Mamdani navigate diaspora ties and activism.

For Indian-Americans, it raises questions about balancing heritage pride with critique.

Goswami’s points highlight perceived double standards, but facts show nuance: Mamdani’s activism is consistent on rights, yet selective outrage exists.

As NYC’s mayor, his words carry weight here too.

An Interesting Trivia

Did you know Gujarat’s Muslim population outnumbers the USA’s despite being one state? It is a reminder that facts often defy dramatic narratives. Gujarat thrives with over 6 million Muslims contributing to its economy.