Union minister Chirag Paswan has criticised actor Imran Khan for participating in protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Mumbai earlier this month.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Paswan said every Indian citizen had the right to protest against any issue, but the participation of a foreign national in such demonstrations was unacceptable.
“I like the actor and his work. But he should have realised that he did not become an Indian citizen merely by virtue of having worked in the country for so long. If Indian citizens take part in protests, I respect that. But when foreign nationals do so, it is a matter of concern. As part of the Union government, I am concerned about attempts to create anarchy in the country with the backing of foreign powers,” Paswan said.
The Hajipur MP, who tried his hand at films before entering politics, was responding to questions about the ‘leave India’ notice issued to Khan, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder who has been accused of violating the Foreigners Act.
Khan, the nephew of superstar Aamir Khan, was born in the United States and holds American citizenship. However, he was brought up in India and has been active in the film industry for over a decade.
Also Read | ‘Arbitrary, hasty’: Imran Khan challenges leave India notice in Bombay high courtThe actor received the notice days after attending a demonstration in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Paswan slams Rahul Gandhi over Kolkata stampede
Paswan also criticised Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for proceeding with his political engagements in Goa, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah cancelled his scheduled programmes in Kolkata following a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal that claimed 19 lives.
Paswan said Shah had shown “sensitivity” by cancelling his engagements in the wake of the tragedy, contrasting his response with that of the opposition.
“It shows the difference in priorities. On the one hand, we have our home minister, who is sensitive towards a tragedy, and on the other, we have the opposition, for which nothing matters more than politics,” the Union minister said.