Canada's opposition leader Pierre Poiliver is facing strong backlash from the Indian community. Canadians of Indian origin are disappointed after Pierre Poiliver canceled last-minute Diwali celebrations at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The opposition leader has taken this step at a time when relations between the two countries are strained.
Canada recently alleged that Indian diplomats were involved in targeting Khalistan supporters. After which there has been a gap in the relations between the two countries. Amid strained relations, Canada is falling to such an extent that it has postponed the celebration of the festival.
Shiv Bhaskar, the organizer of the Diwali celebrations, said that he had not received any clarification regarding the cancellation of the celebrations. Shiv Bhaskar is also the President of Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) and was observing the event.
Indians were disappointed
The event was planned for 30 October by Conservative MP Todd Doherty, but Pierre canceled it. “The event was a joyous occasion in honor of Diwali, a festival that is not only extremely important to the Indian-Canadian community, but also symbolizes the multicultural spirit that Canada is proud of,” Bhaskar wrote in a letter to Poilivre.
However, we feel betrayed and unfairly targeted by the sudden withdrawal of political leaders from the event due to the current diplomatic situation between Canada and India,” Bhaskar said.
Increase in racism and discrimination
Organizers of the event say racism and discrimination are flourishing in Canada, undermining Canada's democratic infrastructure. By distancing ourselves from these cultural celebrations, our politicians have unwittingly sent the message that as Canadian citizens of Indian origin, we do not fully belong here. The Indian community has demanded an apology from the rival of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
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