Imran Khan asked to leave India: What powers does govt have over OCI cardholders?

Imran Khan, the actor and politician, was asked to leave India by October 28 after taking part in a protest in Mumbai. The protest was against the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. Imran is an American citizen who has an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. He has expressed his desire to acquire an Indian passport and has spoken about his frustration at not being able to vote in India.

In 2011, he stated that he was trying to obtain an Indian passport, with the process underway. He also expressed his desire to contribute to the country by encouraging people to vote, despite his inability to do so himself due to his American citizenship. In 2013, he again spoke about his frustration at not being able to vote in India.

Additionally, Imran's American citizenship was brought up when he sought to challenge Maharashtra's decision to raise the legal drinking age. His OCI status grants him certain privileges, including a lifelong, multiple-entry visa to India, but does not grant him Indian citizenship or the right to vote.