Canada's opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has canceled Diwali celebrations scheduled to take place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, sparking strong backlash from the Indian community. The move comes amid diplomatic tensions and deteriorating relations between the two countries – particularly after Canada alleged that Indian diplomats were involved in attacks on pro-Khalistanis.

According to Diwali event organizer Shiv Bhasker, who is also president of Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), they received no explanation for the cancellation of the celebrations.

Calling it a “discriminatory” and “insensitive” act, Mr. Bhasker wrote in a letter to Mr. Poilievre: “This event should be a joyful occasion to honor Diwali, a festival that is not just for the Indo-Canadian community but also a symbol of the multicultural spirit that Canada is proud of. However, the sudden withdrawal of political leaders from this event, triggered by the current diplomatic situation between Canada and India, has left us feeling betrayed and unfairly excluded.

The event was due to be hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty on October 30.

“While these developments are deeply concerning, they should never have resulted in unfair treatment of Canadians of Indian descent who have no connection to the actions or decisions of a foreign government,” the letter said.

According to the organizer, racism and discrimination are “flourishing” in Canada.

“This latest development has exposed the systemic biases that still exist. By retreating from these cultural celebrations, our politicians have sent a message – intentionally or unintentionally – that as Canadians of Indian descent, we are not fully part of this nation. that we are somehow less Canadian because of our ancestral ties to India,” he said.

The Indian community has demanded an apology from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's rival.

“We expect more than just words, we expect a clear and actionable course of action to address the systemic racism and bias that led to this decision. It's not enough to offer empty platitudes or general statements of support – we need to see real change,” the letter says.

According to Mr. Bhasker, the letter represents the collective voice of the Indo-Canadian community, adding that they refuse to let the actions of a “foreign government dictate” how they are perceived and treated in the country.

Following the backlash, the Overseas Friends of India Canada office apologized for canceling the event and organized another celebration on November 23. The event will take place at the Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Nepean.

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

Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have deteriorated due to Prime Minister Trudeau's repeated and baseless claims that Delhi “agents” are colluding with criminal gangs, including the Lawrence Bishnoi group, to target “South Asians” in that country.

India has strongly rejected links to his death, dismissing them as “absurd” and “malicious” and repeatedly pointing out that neither Mr. Trudeau nor his government have provided clear evidence.