India has achieved another remarkable milestone in democracy. Actor Imran Khan, an American citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, has reportedly been asked to leave the country by October 28 after participating in a Mumbai protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The notice has triggered an obvious question, what kind of dictatorship is this, where an American cannot even protest in India without immigration authorities getting involved?
Apparently, the definition of democracy now requires a little fine print. You can visit India, enjoy its food, watch Bollywood films and admire its diversity. But if you decide to join a political demonstration, you might discover that your next performance is scheduled at the airport departure gate.
The situation is particularly amusing for anyone who believes that democracy means the freedom to protest against those in power. Why bother organising demonstrations when the government can simply consult the immigration handbook? Forget slogans, placards and speeches. A departure notice can be considerably more efficient at ending a political appearance.
Of course, the authorities have invoked immigration law, and foreign nationals do not enjoy the same political rights as Indian citizens. Khan holds American citizenship, despite his Indian origins, and an OCI card does not make him an Indian citizen. The government also has legal powers to regulate the presence and activities of foreign nationals.
But here is where the comedy becomes uncomfortable. Bhai if foreign citizens can’t protest in India then who can? American citizenship is a license to do anything anywhere, and India is stopping Imran Khan from furthering chaos in India, what is this.
India is the world’s largest democracy, a country confident enough to celebrate its diversity and democratic institutions, but to be clear, it doesn’t mean anyone and everyone can come to India and interfere in its internal affairs. Try this in China mate.
Being a foreign national does not automatically grant anyone an unrestricted right to participate in Indian politics.
For now, Imran Khan has reportedly been given a deadline to leave. Indian democracy still welcomes visitors, but will also give you a return ticket if you interfere in India’s internal issues.
