Patna: Union minister and LJP(RV) chief Chirag Paswan said Sunday that foreign nationals should not interfere in India’s internal affairs. Referring to the controversy over Bollywood actor Imran Khan’s participation in a protest despite not being an Indian citizen, Chirag drew a distinction between Indian citizens and foreign nationals, asserting that non-citizens should not interfere in India’s internal matters or attempt to influence domestic affairs.Chirag, however, defended the right of Indian citizens to express their views and participate in peaceful protests.The case has brought renewed attention to the rights and obligations of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, who are foreign citizens of Indian origin and do not enjoy all the rights available to Indian citizens. Imran has been served notice to leave India by Oct 28.Imran Khan, nephew of actor Aamir Khan, participated in a demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Mumbai on Oct 10, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police took him into custody. The Bollywood actor has moved the Bombay high court challenging a notice directing him to leave India by Oct 28. He has been asked to explain why his OCI card should not be cancelled.Chirag said Indian citizens had every right to express their opinions and participate in issues concerning the country. He said he had consistently supported peaceful protests and the democratic right to dissent. The minister also expressed concern over the possibility of foreign entities being involved in such developments, saying any interference by non-Indians in the country’s internal affairs was unacceptable.
