Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre clarifies ‘cancellation of Diwali event’ after Hindu opposition

After facing backlash from Canada’s Hindu community over the cancellation of an annual Diwali event, Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, who is likely to be the next prime minister if the election is held, has made it clear that the event will be on schedule remains and has not been canceled.

In a statement issued by Poilievre’s office, which was shared by Indo-Canadian commentator Darshan Maharaja on X, it was clarified that only the venue and timing of the event have been changed.

“To be clear, any suggestion that Mr. Poilievre canceled this event is patently false,” the statement said said.

The statement noted that the celebration will be hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty.

“This event has always been organized by a member of the Conservative Caucus, this year MP (Todd) Doherty, and has never been organized by the Leader of the Opposition or his office. While there have been changes to the venue and timing, MP Doherty will still host an event to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas in Ottawa with members of the South Asian community and the Conservative Caucus,” the statement said.

According to the statement, Poilievre looks forward to celebrating these important cultural and religious occasions with Canadians in the coming days.

The clarification comes after the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), organizers of the annual event, received no official explanation regarding the cancellation of the event, which was scheduled for October 30.

In an open letter, OFIC accused opposition leader Pierre Poilievre of ‘racial prejudice’.

The Canadian opposition leader’s move comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, which have increased in recent weeks following the killing last year of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Shiv Bhasker, President of OFIC, had expressed his disappointment, noting that no reasons had been given for the cancellation by the Leader of the Opposition’s office for the event that had been held for 23 years and has traditionally attracted Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs were involved. .

“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.

Bhasker expressed concern over the absence of Canadian leaders at 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 stereotypes and racial prejudices they claim to oppose,” the group’s president said. News18 reported.

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.

OFIC chief also demanded an apology for what he called an “insensitive and discriminatory act” from the office of the Leader of the Opposition, and urged concrete steps to address the “systemic racism and bias 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.

Also read: Continuing the tradition, PM Modi celebrates Diwali with soldiers in Gujarat’s Kachchh