The recent decision by Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, to cancel the Diwali celebrations scheduled for Parliament Hill has ignited significant backlash from the Indian community. This cancellation comes against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, particularly following allegations that Indian diplomats were involved in targeting pro-Khalistani activists.

Community Reaction:

Shiv Bhasker, president of Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) and organizer of the Diwali event, expressed disappointment over the lack of explanation for the cancellation. In a letter to Poilievre, Bhasker labeled the move as "discriminatory" and "insensitive," emphasizing that Diwali is a festival of great importance to the Indo-Canadian community and represents Canada’s multicultural ethos.

Bhasker stated, "The sudden withdrawal of political leaders from this event has left us feeling betrayed and unjustly singled out." He criticized the decision as unfair treatment of Canadians of Indian descent, asserting that they should not be held accountable for the actions or decisions of a foreign government.

Systemic Bias and Demand for Change:

The letter further addressed the issue of systemic racism, stating that this incident underscores the biases that still persist in Canadian society. Bhasker asserted that such actions convey a message that Canadians of Indian heritage are somehow "less Canadian."

The Indo-Canadian community is now demanding an apology from Poilievre, alongside a clear plan to combat systemic racism and bias. "More than just words, we need to see real change," Bhasker wrote, representing the collective voice of the community.

Alternate Celebration Plans:

Following the backlash, the Overseas Friends of India Canada issued an apology for the cancellation and has since organized an alternative Diwali celebration scheduled for November 23 at the Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Nepean.

Diplomatic Context:

The cancellation comes amid deteriorating diplomatic relations, exacerbated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations that India was involved in the death of a Canadian citizen linked to criminal gangs. India has dismissed these claims as "absurd" and "malicious," emphasizing the lack of substantive evidence provided by the Trudeau government.

Conclusion:

The cancellation of the Diwali event and the ensuing backlash highlight the delicate nature of cultural celebrations amid political tensions. As the Indo-Canadian community continues to advocate for recognition and inclusion, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by minority communities in Canada.