Canada’s Opposition Leader Cancels Diwali Celebration Amid India-Canada Tensions
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has expressed disappointment over a growing trend of intolerance and extremism in Canada. This follows the cancellation of Diwali celebrations at Parliament Hill by Canada’s opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the unfortunate atmosphere in Canada during a press briefing.
The Diwali event, organized by the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), was canceled without explanation amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. These tensions arose after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, leading to the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats from India.
OFIC President Shiv Bhasker expressed dismay in a letter to Pierre Poilievre, criticizing the decision to cancel the 24th Diwali celebration. Additionally, Jaiswal addressed the reduction in visas issued by Canada to India, emphasizing India’s concern for the safety and security of its students and professionals in Canada.
Doubts Revealed
Diwali -: Diwali is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India and by Indians around the world. It is known as the Festival of Lights and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Canada’s Opposition Leader -: In Canada, the opposition leader is the head of the political party that is not in power. Currently, Pierre Poilievre is the leader of the opposition party in Canada.
Parliament Hill -: Parliament Hill is the home of the Canadian government in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. It is similar to the Indian Parliament in New Delhi.
Diplomatic tensions -: Diplomatic tensions refer to disagreements or conflicts between two countries. In this case, it is between India and Canada due to certain allegations and incidents.
Khalistani terrorist -: Khalistani terrorists are individuals who support the creation of a separate Sikh state called Khalistan, which some people want to carve out of India. Hardeep Singh Nijjar was one such person.
Overseas Friends of India Canada -: The Overseas Friends of India Canada is a group of people in Canada who support India and its interests. They were unhappy about the cancellation of the Diwali celebration.
