'Happy... Educate Yourself': Ashoke Pandit Slams Imran Khan
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit slams actor Imran Khan, saying non-citizens must educate themselves before protesting in India following a Mumbai Police notice.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has voiced his strong support for the Mumbai Police's recent decision to issue a notice to Bollywood actor Imran Khan, ordering him to leave India by October 28. The controversy erupted after the actor, a nephew of superstar Aamir Khan, participated in a political protest in the city.
The Protest and Legal Action
The incident traces back to a demonstration at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, where Imran Khan reportedly joined protesters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Following the event, authorities initiated action against Khan under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act. The core of the legal issue lies in allegations that Khan, who reportedly holds a US passport, participated in political agitation despite not being an Indian citizen.
The actor was detained by the Mumbai Police during the protest, an event he later shared on social media with a photo from inside a police van, jokingly captioned, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”
Ashoke Pandit's Sharp Critique
Reacting to the development, Ashoke Pandit did not mince words. He expressed satisfaction with the police intervention, suggesting that foreign nationals must understand the legal boundaries of their presence in the country.
"I am really very happy... because when you don't have a right to protest, and you are not a citizen of this country, you go all out to see to it that our country is defamed," Pandit told ANI.
Pandit further suggested that such actions could potentially be influenced by external forces. He urged the actor to seek guidance from elders and family regarding the legality of his actions.
"First educate yourself, study, and ask your family members and elders to explain whether you are allowed to take to the streets and wage a war against this country, because you are trying to create unrest in the country," he added.
Political Firestorm and Differing Views
The incident has sparked a significant political debate. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has been a vocal critic, demanding the immediate arrest and deportation of the actor. Somaiya alleges that Khan has misused his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status to engage in "political extremism."
“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,” Somaiya stated, noting that evidence of Khan's speeches has been submitted to the police.
On the other hand, the actor has defended his presence, claiming he attended the location as a citizen of Mumbai without specific demands. He has also raised concerns regarding the suppression of voices and restrictions on freedom of movement. Supporting Khan, CJP activist Abhijit Dipke pointed out a perceived double standard, noting that while foreign nationals like Mary Millben can speak on Indian politics, Khan's actions as an OCI cardholder are being met with legal scrutiny.