Last updated:Oct 30, 2024 09:30 IST

The Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Canada has canceled Diwali celebrations, drawing sharp reactions from the Indian diaspora.

Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (Photo: Reuters)

According to media reports, the Opposition Leader’s office in Canada has canceled the annual Diwali event for the Indo-Canadian community on Parliament Hill due to a diplomatic standoff with India.

The Indian diaspora group Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) – organizers of the event – ​​received no explanation for the cancellation of the event that was scheduled to take place on October 30.

The group highlighted the issue in an open letter in which the leader of the opposition, Pierre Poilievre, claimed there was “racial prejudice”.

Canada’s latest move comes as the country’s tensions with India have reached a record high in recent weeks following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year.

What did the Indian diaspora group say about the cancellation of Diwali events?

Shiv Bhasker, chairman of the Overseas Friends of India Canada, expressed his displeasure over the cancellation of the event and stated that no explanation was given by the office of the Leader of the Opposition for the event that had been organized for the past 23 years and in which was participated. of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs.

“However, the sudden withdrawal of political leaders from this event, prompted by the current diplomatic situation between Canada and India, has left us feeling betrayed and unfairly singled out,” Bhasker said.

He expressed concern over the inability of Canadian leaders to attend the cultural event “especially at such a delicate time”, sending a “clear message to Indo-Canadians that we are not seen as fellow Canadians, but as outsiders”.

“By canceling their participation, our political leaders have failed to draw a necessary distinction between the Canadian Indian community and the actions of the Indian government. In doing so, they have unwittingly reinforced the very stereotypes and racial prejudices they claim to oppose,” he said.

Systemic biases still exist: Diaspora group president

Calling out racism and discrimination in Canada, Bhasker said the new move to cancel the Diwali event has only confirmed the “systemic biases that still exist.”

“This is not just about a canceled Diwali event or an event where politicians decide to renegotiate their promise to attend; it’s about a much deeper, more insidious problem. Racism and discrimination are flourishing in Canada, and this latest development has exposed the systemic biases that still persist,” he said.

“This is unacceptable. We are proud Canadians and our identity is rooted in this country, not in the political machinations of another country,” he added.

Diaspora group demands apology for ‘insensitive act’

The group chief further demanded an apology for the “insensitive and discriminatory act” by the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and said they expect action can be taken to address the “systemic racism and prejudice that led to this decision.” to take.

“We must work to ensure that no community in Canada will ever feel like second-class citizens because of their cultural or ethnic background,” he said.

Bhasker further alleged that Pierre Poilievre turned the celebratory event, “what should have been a moment of unity, into a moment of division” by distancing himself from the occasion.

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