Why Indian Canadians are boycotting opposition MP's rescheduled Diwali gala

Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, a wave of discontent has emerged among the Indian-Canadian community, particularly around the cancellation and rescheduling of a Diwali event traditionally held at Canada’s Parliament Hill.

The event was set to occur on October 30, but in an unexpected decision, it was called off without an explanation with fingers pointing at Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre.

This cancellation, followed by a rescheduling by Conservative MP Todd Doherty for November 5, has fuelled significant backlash, with many Indian-Canadian groups declaring their intent to boycott the event.

Diwali at Parliament Hill in Canada: A tradition

The Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill, a tradition for over two decades, has been a significant annual event, attended by members of the Indo-Canadian community, including Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains.

First initiated by the late Deepak Obhrai, a Conservative MP, the event has been a symbol of inclusivity and cultural unity. In recent years, it was carried on by Conservative MP Todd Doherty, who co-hosted it in 2023 with the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), a prominent Indian diaspora organisation.

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Wishing a Happy Diwali and Happy Bandi Chhor Divas to all!

May this time bring warmth, peace, joy, and prosperity to you and your loved ones as we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and our shared values of faith, family, and freedom.#Diwali2024 #BandiChhorDivas pic.twitter.com/erGYJHRyZw

— Todd Doherty (@ToddDohertyMP) October 31, 2024

However, this year’s celebration, scheduled for October 30, was abruptly cancelled without a clear reason amid heightened diplomatic tensions. Pierre Poilievre’s office issued a statement clarifying that “any suggestion that Mr. Poilievre has cancelled this event is patently false,” asserting that Doherty, not Poilievre, traditionally hosted the event.

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Nonetheless, the community felt slighted. According to OFIC President Shiv Bhasker, the cancellation came as a shock, igniting feelings of betrayal. “Diwali has already passed. The spirit of Diwali was lost. Most of the temples are not participating in this event,” Bhasker told Indian news outlet The Print, further noting that OFIC, which previously co-hosted the event, was not invited to the rescheduled November 5 gala.

Rising diplomatic & communal tensions in Canada

The backdrop to the cancellation is a period of strained Canada-India relations, which intensified following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusation that Indian government officials may have been involved in the June 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader labelled a terrorist by India.

In October, Canada requested India to waive immunity for six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, which India refused. In retaliation, Canada reduced its own diplomatic presence in India, withdrawing several officials.

Amid these developments, accusations circulated that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah had allegedly authorised surveillance of Sikh activists in Canada, which India dismissed as “absurd and baseless.”

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OFIC has been vocal in its disappointment, stating that the cancellation reflected deeper issues within Canadian society. “It is with extreme disappointment and in sadness that I am writing this letter to you to voice our dismay at the Office of the Leader of Opposition cancelling the 24th Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill,” Bhasker wrote to Poilievre.

In response to the diplomatic rift, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal voiced concerns over a perceived rise in “intolerance and extremism” in Canada, highlighting the challenging climate facing Indian Canadians.

A case of systematic bias in Canada?

The cancellation has become a flashpoint, bringing forward accusations of systemic discrimination. Bhasker has voiced concerns about alleged racism within Canada, saying, “This is not just about a cancelled Diwali event… Racism and discrimination are thriving in Canada.”

According to Bhasker, the decision to cancel the celebration “singled out” Indian Canadians and showed insensitivity toward the community’s cultural values. The OFIC has formally requested an apology from Poilievre’s office, describing the cancellation as an “insensitive and discriminatory act.”

Indo-Canadian community disappointed and sad as the Conservative Party canceled the Diwali Celebration at the Parliament Hill. @CBCNews @ctvottawa @nationalpost @globalnews @globeandmail @TorontoStar @OttawaCitizen @CityNewsTO https://t.co/8x0RnLTKn0

— Overseas Friends of India Canada (@oficottawa) October 30, 2024

Supporting OFIC, several other community organisations, including the Hindu Federation and Voice of the Vedas Cultural Sabha, have penned letters to Poilievre, expressing discontent with the handling of the event.

They argue that the community’s disappointment goes beyond a single celebration, touching on a broader sentiment of exclusion and neglect in Canadian politics.

Boycotting the rescheduled Diwali event in Canada

In the face of community backlash, Conservative MP Doherty rescheduled the Diwali celebration to November 5. However, the rescheduled date has not quelled the concerns of Indian Canadians, many of whom plan to boycott the event.

“The cancellation of the Diwali event was the tipping point. The Indo-Canadians are tired of the Canadian politicians ignoring their issues,” Bhasker stated. He stated that while Poilievre had attended individual Diwali events elsewhere, the community had anticipated a public display of support on Parliament Hill, which they feel was unfairly denied.

Celebrated the festival of lights with patriotic Canadians at Scarborough's Aisha’s Textiles Store & Pickering's Rajdhani Sweets. Shubh Diwali. pic.twitter.com/S4VTA5p7m8

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) November 2, 2024

In 2023, the Diwali gala had hosted over 540 guests, including the Indian High Commissioner and prominent Canadian politicians. However, the community’s trust has been strained by recent developments, with many questioning the commitment of Canadian leaders to support Indo-Canadians amid a growing diplomatic rift with India.

Impact on Indo-Canadians

The MEA continues to keep a close watch on the safety of Indian nationals in Canada, particularly students and professionals.

The current environment has led to a notable decrease in the number of visas issued to Indians, a trend that has compounded the diplomatic divide. “We are monitoring the well-being of our students and professionals who are working in Canada. Our concern for their safety and security remains strong,” the MEA has said.

With inputs from agencies