Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday backed the ‘Leave India’ notice issued to Bollywood actor Imran Khan, holding that the American citizen should have stayed away from a protest held in Mumbai. Paswan called the stir a part of alleged attempts to create anarchy in India and claimed that such activities could have foreign backing.

Paswan, chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), made the remarks while responding to questions about the notice issued to Khan, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, who has been accused of flouting the Foreigners Act.

Paswan underlined that although he appreciated Khan’s work, his long association with the Indian film industry did not turn him into an Indian citizen. He asserted, “I like the actor and his work. But he should have realised that he did not become an Indian citizen just by virtue of having worked in the country for so long.”

He continued by saying that while Indian citizens had the right to participate in protests, the involvement of foreign nationals in such agitations raised concerns. He said, “As part of the Union government, I am concerned over the attempts to create anarchy in the country, with the backing of foreign powers.”

Why has Imran Khan been issued a notice to leave India?

Khan, the nephew of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, was born in the United States and holds an American citizenship. However, he was raised in India and has been associated with the Hindi film industry for more than a decade.

Reportedly, days after showing up at a protest in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, the actor was served a notice by the Mumbai Police, which asked him to leave India by October 28. The issuance of the notice has brought renewed attention to the distinction between Indian citizenship and OCI status. While OCI cardholders enjoy certain privileges, the status does not confer Indian citizenship.

The allegations levelled against Khan concern his participation in the protest and the applicability of the Foreigners Act. The precise legal grounds and the outcome of the proceedings shall depend on the relevant authorities.

Paswan takes aim at Rahul Gandhi over Kolkata tragedy

In a parallel development, Paswan expressed grief over the loss of 19 lives in a stampede at a Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata. He lauded Home Minister Amit Shah for cancelling his scheduled programmes in the city following the tragedy.

Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Paswan slammed his decision to proceed with a scheduled rally in Goa, where Assembly polls are slated to be held in the coming months. The Union Minister argued that the contrasting decisions reflected different priorities, praising Shah for responding to the tragedy while accusing the Opposition of placing politics ahead of public concerns.

The remarks added a political dimension to the aftermath of the Kolkata incident, with Paswan drawing a comparison between the Home Minister’s decision to cancel his engagements and Gandhi’s planned political activities.