A notice by the Mumbai office of the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) directing actor Imran Khan to leave India before October 28 triggered many political reactions, with some backing the move and others opposing it. some BJP leaders backed the Mumbai Police move While several Opposition leaders came out in Khan’s support.
Congress leader Nana Patole described the action as an example of dictatorial rule, alleging that people who speak against the government are increasingly being branded as traitors. The former Maharashtra Congress president also alleged that people’s freedom was being curtailed and questioned the removal of voters’ names during the SIR exercise. “Nowadays, in order to hold a protest also, you need to pay money. If you want to express your opinion, you must pay. This is a dictatorship. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also criticised the action, alleging that the government was apprehensive about protests against the SIR exercise. He pointed out that several Bollywood personalities held foreign citizenship and questioned the government’s approach towards foreign nationals living in India. Kadam added that the government would take appropriate action if further complaints or issues came to light. Can an OCI cardholder participate in a political protest, and can the government order them to leave the country? Certain activities, however, require special permission from the competent authorities. They also receive specified benefits and parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in certain economic, financial and educational matters, subject to applicable laws and government notifications.
Raut also referred to former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina , who has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh amid mass protests in August 2024, and asked why the government had not asked her to leave. Because the person concerned was an actor, he said he was not aware of the exact contents of the notice but maintained that the law could not be overlooked simply.
“Not just actor Imran Khan, but anyone in the country who speaks against the government is labelled as a traitor by people sitting in the government,” Patole told PTI. “People’s freedom is being snatched away,” he said, adding that citizens should be able to express their views and participate in protests without facing restrictions. If you do not have the right to voice your opinion in independent India, then the Narendra Modi government is running a dictatorship,” the former MP said. He said the Maharashtra government and Mumbai Police knew how to deal with such individuals and called for action against foreign nationals from the US, Pakistan and Bangladesh who, he alleged, were participating in such protests. Earlier reporting noted: According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), an OCI cardholder is generally entitled to a lifelong, multiple-entry visa to visit India and is exempt from registration with the FRRO or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) for any length of stay.
Earlier reporting noted: But what does an OCI card allow its holder to do in India? Earlier reporting noted: OCI cardholders enjoy several privileges, including the right to visit India multiple times without applying for a fresh visa for each visit.
Opposition parties in Maharashtra criticised the ‘leave India’ notice.
Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders accused the government of being “dictatorial” and curbing dissent while the BJP defended the action, saying foreign nationals should not participate in India’s political protests.
