‘It’ll cost you a lot’: Massive uproar as Canadian opposition leader snubs Diwali event

Canada’s leader of opposition from the Conservative party is facing criticism from the country’s Hindu community over his decision to withdraw from a Diwali event. Pierre Poilievre reportedly cancelled his participation in the event in the wake of Canada’s diplomatic row with India over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Blasting Poilievre in a letter, the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) said he and other Conservative leaders abandoned the Diwali event that had been marked for the last 23 years. OFIC President Shiv Bhasker said the opposition leader even failed to provide any explanation for the same.

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"The sudden withdrawal of politicians from this event, prompted by the current diplomatic situation between Canada and India, has left us feeling betrayed and unjustly singled out," the letter by the OFIC said.

"The letter represents the collective voice of the Indo-Canadian community, especially Hindu Canadians of 850,000 strong, a community that is educated, prosperous, law-abiding, and family-oriented," the letter added.

The group said Poilievre’s move exposed how politicians in Canada saw Hindus as ‘outsiders’, ironic in a country that prides itself for multiculturalism.

"This is not just about a cancelled Diwali event or an event where the politicians renege on their commitment to attend; it is about a much deeper and insidious problem. Racism and discrimination are thriving in Canada, and this latest development has laid bare the systemic biases that still exist,” Bhasker stressed.

Now, the group has warned the Conservative Party of potential repercussions in the upcoming polls.

"Remember, we will remember our friends at the time of exercising our franchise," it said.

The polls are due in Canada next year, and Poilievre’s Conservative Party is expected to win.

"It's going to cost you a lot! You kicked the opportunity of yourself being PM of Canada," an X user warned the opposition leader.

Even local Canadians deplored Poilievre’s move.

Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman said it was "absolutely disgraceful" that the Conservative leader chose not to attend the event.

(With inputs from agencies)