 "Canada's Jagmeet Singh calls for RSS ban, sanctions on India. Who is he?")
The leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP), Jagmeet Singh, has made headlines once again, this time for calling for the government to impose economic sanctions and a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Canada.
Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, Singh’s demands have further fuelled the ongoing political storm.
How has Jagmeet Singh reacted to the ongoing spat?
Jagmeet Singh, who has long been associated with the Khalistan movement, is demanding decisive action from the Canadian government against India, following allegations that Indian officials were involved in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was also designated a terrorist by New Delhi.
Nijjar, who was a Canadian citizen and a prominent supporter of Khalistan, was killed in June 2023, and Singh, among other political figures, has continuously stated that India’s Narendra Modi-led government was involved.
Speaking about the diplomatic fallout on Tuesday, Singh declared, “We support today’s decision to expel India’s diplomats, and we’re calling on the Government of Canada to put diplomatic sanctions against India in place, ban the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Network (RSS) in Canada, and commit to pursuing the most severe consequences for anyone found to have participated in organised criminal activity on Canadian soil.”
Singh’s remarks come after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian government officials of playing a role in Nijjar’s murder, a claim India has strongly denied.
What are the allegations against India?
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has been investigating the matter and alleges that Indian diplomats in Canada have been involved in a wide-ranging campaign of targeting dissidents, particularly pro-Khalistani figures.
Singh further asserted, “Canada has long held credible evidence that the Narendra Modi government was involved in the murder of Canadian Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.” He added that Canada’s Sikh community has been “stalked by fear, threats, harassment, and violence,” underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The RCMP held a high-profile briefing where they outlined their claims that India has used organised crime networks to carry out political assassinations and other illegal activities in Canada. The law enforcement agency said it has charged multiple individuals with involvement in such homicides, extortion, and threats.
Reacting to these revelations, Singh said, “The briefing confirmed what was shared publicly, that this is a very serious allegation… When businesses are being shot at, anyone that lives nearby, anyone that’s walking nearby, this is a threat to all Canadians. And it should be taken with the utmost seriousness.”
Who is Jagmeet Singh?
Jagmeet Singh, born on January 2, 1979, in Scarborough, Ontario, is the leader of Canada’s leftist New Democratic Party (NDP) and the first person of a visible minority to head a major Canadian federal political party.
His parents immigrated to Canada from Punjab, India, seeking better opportunities. Singh, a lawyer and human rights activist, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Western Ontario (2001) and a Bachelor of Laws from York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School (2005). Prior to entering politics, he worked as a criminal defence lawyer in the Greater Toronto Area.
Singh entered public office in 2011 as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Ontario, serving until 2017, and became the first turban-wearing Sikh in Ontario’s legislature.
In October 2017, he rose to national prominence by becoming the leader of the NDP. Known for his sharp style, which earned him attention from GQ magazine, Singh has championed progressive policies, including affordable housing, healthcare reform, and tackling climate change.
In 2019, Singh was elected as the Member of Parliament for Burnaby South, British Columbia.
Singh has been a controversial figure due to his vocal support for Khalistan, an independent Sikh state, and his criticism of India’s government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He was denied a visa to India in 2013 due to his alleged links with extremists. Married to fashion designer Gurkiran Kaur, with whom he shares a daughter, Singh has been an influential political figure in shaping Canada’s policies on social and economic justice.
Where does Jagmeet Singh stand on political issues?
Jagmeet Singh’s position on India is not new. He has faced criticism for his alleged ties to Khalistani extremists and his failure to condemn individuals like Talwinder Singh Parmar, widely believed to be the mastermind behind the 1985 Air India bombing that killed 329 people.
At a 2018 San Francisco rally, Singh appeared alongside figures advocating for the creation of Khalistan, a movement that seeks an independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region.
The NDP leader’s criticism of the Indian government has remained steadfast, especially in relation to PM Narendra Modi.
**Opinion** | India should designate Canada as a state sponsor of terrorFollowing the RCMP’s briefing, Singh reiterated his demand for international action: “We need to work with our allies. There’s similar scenarios that have played out in the United Kingdom. It’s clear that we need to work with our allies to put pressure on India. The Modi government has to be held to account.”
Singh has been an advocate for greater scrutiny of RSS activities within Canada. He described the RSS as a “violent, militant, terrorist organisation” and called for its ban in the country.
“We demand that the Liberal government implement severe sanctions on Indian diplomats and banish the RSS… which operates here in Canada and in other countries as well,” Singh said at the press conference in Ottawa.
Why is Jagmeet Singh important?
Singh’s calls for sanctions and a ban on the RSS come at a time when the Trudeau government is already grappling with the implications of India’s response to the accusations, which includes the expulsion of Canadian diplomats from New Delhi.
While no formal sanctions have yet been imposed, Singh’s call adds pressure on Trudeau’s government, which has relied on Singh’s NDP for parliamentary support.
Singh had previously supported Trudeau’s Liberal minority government for over two years before withdrawing support last month.
Though the political alliance between Singh and Trudeau has faltered, Singh’s influence over Canadian politics remains significant.
He has positioned himself as a staunch defender of Canada’s Sikh community and therefore holds influence over a formidable voter base.
With inputs from agencies
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
