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The cancellation of a Diwali celebration at Parliament Hill by Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has sparked outrage and a sense of betrayal within the Hindu community. The event, organized by the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), was intended to be a joyous occasion celebrating the festival of lights. However, Poilievre's decision to withdraw from the event has left many members of the Indian diaspora feeling marginalized and excluded. This decision comes amidst heightened tensions between Canada and India, stemming from allegations of Indian diplomatic interference in Canadian affairs, specifically targeting the pro-Khalistan movement and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
The cancellation of the Diwali event has been widely interpreted as a sign of Poilievre's unwillingness to engage with the Hindu community, and a reflection of broader issues of systemic bias against Canadians of Indian descent. The lack of a clear explanation for the cancellation has only exacerbated these feelings of alienation. Many community leaders have expressed their disappointment, arguing that the event was a vital opportunity to celebrate Indian culture and foster a sense of belonging for Indo-Canadians. The OFIC, in a strongly worded open letter, condemned the cancellation, stating that it sends a clear message of exclusion and suggests that Indo-Canadians are viewed as outsiders rather than fellow Canadians.
The incident has triggered discussions about identity and belonging within Canada, with many questioning whether the political landscape truly embraces diversity and inclusivity. Critics have pointed out that while leaders like US President Biden and astronaut Sunita Williams have publicly honored Diwali, Poilievre's decision highlights a concerning disregard for the contributions and values of the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain communities in Canada. The cancellation has also been seen as a politically motivated act of appeasement, designed to avoid any potential backlash from segments of the population that hold anti-India sentiments. This perception is further amplified by the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, which have intensified following allegations of Indian government interference in Canadian affairs.