'Aasteen Ka Saanp': BJP MLC Slams Actor Imran Khan
BJP MLC Parinay Fuke slams actor Imran Khan, calling him aasteen ka saanp after Mumbai Police issued a notice for him to leave India.
In a scathing attack on actor Imran Khan, BJP MLC Parinay Fuke has described the individual as an "aasteen ka saanp" (a snake in the grass). The legislator’s remarks come in the wake of the Mumbai Police issuing a formal notice directing the actor to leave the country by October 28.
The controversy erupted following Khan's participation in a protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan. The demonstration was aimed at demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, specifically regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
Speaking to the media, Parinay Fuke expressed strong support for the police action. He alleged that certain individuals are traveling from abroad specifically to participate in demonstrations that threaten India's internal stability. Fuke pointed out that Imran Khan holds a United States passport and accused him of agitating against the country's electoral processes.
“Imran Khan is a US citizen. Coming to this country and agitating and speaking of name deletion in SIR — such people are ‘aasteen ka saanp’. Mumbai Police and Maharashtra Govt know how to crush such 'snakes',” Fuke stated. He further suggested that these protests might be part of a larger, funded effort to spread anarchy and defame India on the global stage.
The MLC also called for strict scrutiny and action against people arriving from the United States, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who are perceived to be participating in such demonstrations to work against national interests.
The Legal Battle and Police Action
The Mumbai Police have initiated proceedings against the actor, who is the nephew of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act. The legal basis for the 'Leave India' notice stems from allegations that he participated in political protests despite not holding Indian citizenship.
The actor was previously detained by the authorities during the protest. Following his detention, Khan shared a photo from inside a police vehicle, jokingly suggesting he was "going for a drive."
Imran Khan's Defense
Responding to the crackdown, Imran Khan has defended his presence at the protest. He maintains that he attended the gathering as a resident of Mumbai and a concerned citizen rather than as a foreign agitator.
“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,” Khan told reporters, questioning the suppression of civil liberties.