Canada's Liberal Party revoked MP Chandra Arya's candidacy over ties to India: Report

Firstly, the Liberal Party barred three-time MP Chandra Arya from running for party leadership. Then, last week, the party revoked his candidacy in upcoming elections.

On both the occasion, the Liberal Party did not give a reason. While cancelling the candidacy, the party simply told Arya that the decision was based on a “thorough review” of his eligibility and, after careful consideration, the National Campaign Co-Chair recommended his candidacy’s revocation that was accepted.

Now, the Globe and Mail has reported that the Liberal Party barred Arya from running for party leadership and revoked his candidacy over his alleged close relations with the Indian government.

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Canada's Liberal Party revokes candidacy of Khalistan critic MP Chandra Arya Will poll campaign make India-Canada ties worse before they get better?

In the outgoing Canadian parliament, Arya is an MP from Nepean constituency. He has been a vocal critic of the Khalistan movement and has faced the ire of Khalistani leaders in Canada and the United States, including Sikhs For Justice’s (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. At times, he has also faced the ire of fellow Liberal Party MPs.

The India-Canada ties have been in deep freeze since 2023 when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of killing Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated Khalistani terrorist, in Canada earlier that year. Later, Trudeau went after Indian diplomats in the country and his government accused India of running an organised crime network in the country. Canadian authorities have also accused India along with China and Russia for political interference.

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In this backdrop, the Globe and Mail has reported that Arya’s alleged ties to the Indian government prompted the Liberals to revoke his candidacy.

The newspaper reported a source as saying that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) had briefed the government about Arya’s alleged close ties to the Indian government, including to the Indian High Commission in Canada.

A second source was reported as saying that Liberal Party officials had concerns about Arya as well.

However, the newspaper noted that the decision to revoke Arya’s candidacy was solely made by the Liberal Party and was not made on the advice of CSIS.

In a statement, Arya has rejected the basis of the charges against him. The newspaper reported that Arya did not take permission from the Canadian government when he visited India last year and met Indian PM Narendra Modi. However, Arya said that he had never taken such permission before meeting anyone as an MP.

“As a Member of Parliament, I have engaged with numerous diplomats and heads of government, both in Canada and internationally. Not once have I sought—nor been required to seek—permission from the government to do so. At no point did former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau or any cabinet minister raise concerns about my meetings or public statements,” said Arya.