Hindu Forum Canada (HFC) has expressed profound concern over the recent dismissal of MP Ramesh Sangha from the Liberal caucus. In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Liberal Party of Canada and copied to the Honorable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, HFC criticized the lack of due diligence in addressing the accusations made by Mr. Sangha against his fellow Liberal MPs, Navdeep Bains and Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan.
Unsubstantiated Accusations
According to The Canadian Press, Mr. Sangha was expelled from the Liberal caucus for allegedly making “unsubstantiated accusations” against his colleagues. However, HFC questions what constitutes “unsubstantiated” in this context, arguing that Mr. Sangha was dismissed without being given an opportunity to explain or prove his allegations.
Khalistani Extremism Concerns
Mr. Sangha, a retired Indian Air Force officer with deep ties to the Indian government, has long warned of the influence of Khalistani extremists within the Liberal Party. These extremists advocate for the creation of an independent Sikh homeland, Khalistan, in Punjab, India. Mr. Sangha has claimed that MPs Bains and Sajjan have been using their positions to further the Khalistani agenda, masquerading under the guise of the Sikh religion for political gain.
Pro-India Stance and Community Ties
Throughout his career, Mr. Sangha has been recognized for his pro-India stance and his dedication to his constituents, particularly within the Indo-Canadian community in Brampton. Before entering public office, he served as the chairman of the Canada-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, which plays a significant role in fostering relations between Canada and India.
In a 2019 interview with Punjabi-language radio station 5aab, Mr. Sangha stated, “There is no doubt, there cannot be two opinions that the Liberal Party is pandering to Khalistan supporters.” His consistent warnings about extremism within the Sikh community in Canada have made him a target, leading to fears for his safety.
Liberal Party’s Lack of Due Process
We are disheartened by the Liberal Party’s decision to remove Mr. Sangha without allowing him to defend his claims. The forum argues that fairness and justice demand that he be given a platform to explain his conclusions and the reasons behind his public statements, especially considering the potential risks to his career and personal safety.
Canada-India Relations at Stake
We want to emphasize the broader implications of this incident for Canada-India relations. India, a longstanding friend of Canada, has expressed concerns over the Canadian government’s perceived leniency towards extremist movements. HFC asserts that the Liberal Party’s actions in this case send the wrong message and could harm the relationship between the two democracies.
We called on the Liberal Party of Canada to reconsider its actions and provide Mr. Sangha with a fair hearing. The organization urges the party to uphold the principles of justice and transparency, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected within the political process.
Hindu Forum Canada remains committed to promoting unity and respect within the Indo-Canadian community. The forum believes that addressing extremism and ensuring due process are crucial for maintaining the integrity of Canada’s political system and its international relationships. HFC looks forward to a prompt response from the Liberal Party and hopes for a resolution that upholds the values of justice and fairness.
