Foreign Interference Unacceptable: Chirag Paswan Slams Non-Citizens' Role in Internal Affairs
Union Minister Chirag Paswan calls foreign interference unacceptable after actor Imran Khan is ordered to leave India over protest participation.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has sent a stern message to foreign nationals, declaring that any involvement by non-Indian citizens in the internal affairs of India is completely unacceptable. Speaking in Patna on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the Minister emphasized that while democratic expression is a right for citizens, it does not extend to those holding foreign passports interfering in the nation's domestic governance.
The Spark: Imran Khan's 'Leave India' Notice
Paswan's strong stance comes in the wake of a high-profile legal battle involving Bollywood actor and U.S. citizen Imran Khan. On October 14, 2026, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued a 'Leave India' notice to the actor, directing him to depart from the country by October 28, 2026.
The government's action is based on alleged violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, specifically under Sections 7 and 29. The controversy began after Khan participated in a protest on October 10 at Mumbai's August Kranti Maidan. The demonstrators at the event were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
The Government's Stance on OCI Cardholders
During his address, Chirag Paswan clarified the government's position on political activism. He stated that while peaceful protests by Indian citizens are supported, foreign nationals—including those holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards—must refrain from intervening in internal matters. The government maintains that OCI cardholders remain foreign nationals subject to immigration laws, and engaging in political activity can lead to the cancellation of their visas.
Imran Khan Fights Back in Court
The actor is not taking the notice lightly. On October 17, Imran Khan filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court, challenging the order to leave the country. His legal team, consisting of advocates Zulfiquar Memon, Parvez Memon, and Chirag Naik, has described the notice as "arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional."
Khan's arguments center on the following points:
- Solidarity, Not Violation: He claims his participation in the protest, which was held in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), did not breach the Citizenship Act or the Immigration and Foreigners Act.
- Deep Roots: Khan has been a resident of India since he was two years old and maintains that he has no criminal record.
- Constitutional Rights: He argues that the FRRO's move violates his fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Escalating Legal Pressure
As the legal battle unfolds, the pressure on the actor has increased. On October 17, the FRRO issued a fresh show-cause notice to Khan, demanding an explanation within 15 days as to why his OCI status should not be revoked entirely.
The Bombay High Court is expected to hear a mention of Khan's petition on Monday, October 19, which will determine the immediate future of his residency in India.
Wider Unrest Against CEC
While the legal drama surrounding Imran Khan dominates the headlines, the catalyst for the conflict—the demand for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation—continues to resonate. Protests against the Chief Election Commissioner persisted throughout the weekend, spreading beyond Mumbai to cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Srinagar, and even reaching as far as London.