NEW DELHI: CJP founder Abhijit Dipke on Thursday questioned the restrictions imposed on Bollywood actor Imran Khan after Mumbai Police issued him a ‘Leave India’ notice over his participation in protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.Drawing a comparison with American singer Mary Millben, who has publicly expressed support for the BJP, Dipke questioned why Khan is facing immigration action.In a post on X, Dipke said, “Mary Millben, an American, can speak in favour of the BJP. But Imran, an OCI cardholder, can’t say anything against the BJP.”The actor, 43, who is the nephew of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, holds an American passport and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, according to ANI. He has been directed to leave India by October 28 following his participation in the ongoing protests in Mumbai.Khan participated in a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan on October 10, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
A complaint was filed against Khan, following which the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued the notice directing him to leave the country for allegedly violating the Foreigners Act.According to ANI, action has been initiated under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act over allegations that he participated in a political protest despite not being an Indian citizen.Khan was detained by Mumbai Police during the demonstration. After his detention, he posted a photograph on social media that appeared to show him inside a police van, with the caption: “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”Speaking to the media, Khan said he had attended the protest without any specific demands.“I don’t have demands. I am here as a citizen, as a person who lives in this city. I am here to see why freedom of movement is being restricted. Why are people’s voices being suppressed? That is why I am here,” he said.The notice followed demands by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya for Khan’s arrest and deportation over his participation in the demonstration. Somaiya alleged that the actor had violated OCI provisions and visa conditions.
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Speaking to the media, Somaiya said, “The citizens of India cannot tolerate the political extremism that Imran Khan has been displaying during his recent stay in the country. He is an American citizen holding an OCI card, yet he has attempted to misuse his status.”Earlier American singer Millben and Dipke exchanged barbs over allegations of foreign funding of the outfit. In a post on X, Millben claimed that the CJP is being “funded by donors” in the US and called upon all “young patriots” in India to rise and peacefully protest the “disruptive spirit” of the Dipke-founded outfit.Later Dipke questioned foreign interference in India’s internal affairs. Millben responded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the support of “1.5 billion beautiful Indian citizens” and did not need American backing.
