Bangladeshi actor accused of campaigning for Trinamool asked to leave India
Kolkata, Apr 16 (UNI/IBNS): India has asked Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed to leave the country immediately as he was found electioneering for West Bengal-ruling Trinamool Congress.
The Union home ministry also asked for a report from the Bureau of Immigration after Ferdous Ahmed's presence at a Trinamool roadshow at Raiganj in north Bengal triggered controversy before the 2nd phase polling for three Lok Sabha seats in north Bengal on April 18.
The Bangladeshi actor, who was on a business visa, was also blacklisted by the Indian government and has been asked to immediately leave the country.
The Union Home Ministry had earlier sought a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office on the issue, media reports said.
The fresh development occurred after several TV channels and regional media showed images of Ferdous, who has worked in many Indian Bengali movies, campaigning for the party.
Ferdous, a popular name in Bangladesh, campaigned for Trinamool’s Lok Sabha candidate Kanaia Lal Agarwal from Raiganj in North Dinajpur district.
However, when asked about the Bangladeshi actor, Agarwal said: "I've no idea about the specific rally you are talking about where Ferdous Ahmed or any other actor, actress took part."
The Tranamool Congress has rejected the claims that the actor has campaigned for the party.
"Trinamool did not invite him. He came for another programme in the area and decided to join the campaign. He is very popular in this area," the party was quoted as saying by News 18.
The BJP had complained to the Election Commission over the issue.
Bangladesh High Commissioner has reportedly directed the actor to return to his nation.
Image credit: WIkimedia commons
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