'Foreign nationals protesting in India a concern': Chirag Paswan targets Imran Khan

Union minister Chirag Paswan has questioned actor Imran Khan's participation in protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, arguing that foreign nationals should not take part in demonstrations in India. Addressing reporters in Patna, the Hajipur MP said Indian citizens had the right to protest but expressed concern over the involvement of foreign nationals, alleging that attempts were being made to create unrest in the country with support from foreign powers. "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. His comments came after Khan received a 'leave India' notice following his participation in a protest in Mumbai earlier this month, where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The actor, who holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, has been accused of violating the Foreigners Act. Khan, nephew of actor Aamir Khan, was born in the United States and holds American citizenship. He grew up in India and has worked in the film industry for more than a decade. Paswan, who entered politics after trying his hand at acting, was responding to questions about the notice issued to Khan. The Union minister also took aim at Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his decision to continue with political engagements in Goa following a stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata that killed 19 people. Paswan contrasted Gandhi's schedule with that of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who cancelled his planned programmes in Kolkata after the tragedy. He said Shah's decision reflected a more sensitive response to the incident. "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.