Canada Oppn Leader Pierre Poilievre Slammed For Cancelling Diwali Event: 'Unjustly Singled Out, Betrayed'

The Diwali event was hosted by Conservative Member of Parliament Todd Doherty and was supposed to be held on October 30 at Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Canada opposition leader Pierre Poilievre was slammed by Indo-Canadian community for cancelling Diwali event.

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Canada's opposition leader Pierre Poilievre received severe backlash from the Indian comunity after his office cancelled Diwali celebrations that were scheduled to take place at Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

The move comes as diplomatic tensions between the two countries are at an all time low-especially after Canada alleged that Indian diplomats were involved in targeting pro-Khalistanis. In another major development, Canadian government alleged that Union Home minister Amit Shah was involved in the plots to target Khalistanis on Canadian soil.

According to Shiv Bhasker, the organiser of the Diwali event and the president of Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), no explanation was given to the event organisers for the cancellation of the celebrations. The event was hosted by Conservative Member of Parliament Todd Doherty and was supposed to be held on October 30.

Slamming the move as "discriminatory" and "insensitive", Bhasker, in a letter to Poilievre, wrote: "This event was meant to be a joyous occasion to honour Diwali, a festival that is not only deeply significant to the Indo-Canadian community but also emblematic of the multicultural spirit that Canada prides itself on. 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 unjustly singled out."

"These developments, while deeply concerning, should never have resulted in the unfair treatment of Canadians of Indian descent, who have no connection to the actions or decisions of a foreign government," the letter read, as reported by NDTV.

Bhasker also said that racism and discrimination are "thriving" in Canada. He even lashed out at the Canadian politicians for "intentionally" making Canadians of Indian heritage feel that they are not part of the country.

"This latest development has laid bare the systemic biases that still exist. Our politicians, by recusing themselves from these cultural celebrations, have sent a message-intentionally or not-that we, as Canadians of Indian heritage are not fully part of this nation, that we are somehow less Canadian because of our ancestral ties to India," he said.

After the event was cancelled, the Indian community has demanded an apology from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's rival.

"More than just words, we expect a clear and actionable course of action to be laid out to address the systemic racism and bias that led to this decision. It is not enough to offer empty platitudes or generalized statements of support - we need to see real change," the letter read.

Bhasker said the letter represents the collective voice of the Indo-Canadian community, stressing that they refuse to let the "foreign government dictate" how the community is perceived and treated in the country.

Following backlash from the Indo-Canadian community, the office of Overseas Friends of India Canada issued an apology for cancelling the event and organised another celebration at Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Nepean on November 23.

Last year, Indo-Canadian parliamentarian Chandrasekhar Arya hosted a similar Diwali celebration was held at Parliament Hill in Canada.