New Delhi: The office of the Leader of Opposition in Canada has canceled the annual Diwali celebrations at Parliament Hill. This event is organized for the Indo-Canadian community. According to media reports, this decision has been taken amid the diplomatic deadlock with India.

The Indian Canadian community has raised the issue in an open letter accusing Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre of “racial bias”.

No explanation given

The organizers of the event, the Indian diaspora group Overseas Friends of India Canada, have not been given any explanation for the cancellation of the event scheduled for October 30.

Why is the tension increasing?

Last year, Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in Canada. Due to this, tension is increasing between the two countries. This tension has reached its peak in the last few weeks.

Organized for 23 years

Shiv Bhaskar, president of Overseas Friends of India Canada, expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of the event, saying no explanation was given by the office of the Leader of the Opposition for the event, which had been held for the past 23 years and saw participation from Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.

Why is it a matter of concern

Bhaskar said, “We are concerned by the failure of Canadian leaders to attend the cultural event “at such a delicate time”. Indo-Canadians received a clear message that we are not being seen as fellow Canadians, but as outsiders. By doing so, they have inadvertently reinforced the same stereotypes and racial prejudices they claim to stand against. Racism and discrimination are rife in Canada and this new development has highlighted the systemic prejudices that still exist.