Canada’s ruling Liberal Party has revoked the candidacy of Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya, preventing him from running for the party leadership and from contesting in his Nepean constituency. The move comes amid allegations that Arya has close ties to the Indian government, according to a report by The Globe and Mail.

Arya, who has served as a Member of Parliament for three terms, has been vocal against Khalistani extremism in Canada. Reports indicate that he travelled to India in August 2024, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, he allegedly did not inform the Canadian government about his visit, which took place at a time when diplomatic relations between Canada and India were strained.

CSIS Report and Party Concerns

According to The Globe and Mail, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) briefed the government about Arya’s supposed connections to the Indian government, including interactions with India’s High Commission in Ottawa. The Liberal Party, however, has not publicly disclosed the specific reasons for barring Arya from the leadership race or from seeking re-election in Nepean.

Liberal Party officials who have security clearances and access to classified CSIS briefings on foreign interference expressed concerns over inconsistencies in Arya’s confidential questionnaire responses. While CSIS provided intelligence on the matter, The Globe and Mail reported that the decision to remove Arya from the race was made independently by the Liberal Party and not on CSIS’s advice.

Arya Denies Allegations, Calls Decision Political

Responding to the controversy, Arya strongly rejected accusations of improper ties with India. He defended his actions, stating, “As a Member of Parliament, I have engaged with numerous diplomats and heads of government, both in Canada and internationally.” He further emphasised, “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.”

Arya believes his removal from the leadership race and the Nepean nomination was politically motivated, attributing it to his outspoken stance against Khalistani extremism. He stated, “The sole point of contention with the Liberal Party has been my outspoken advocacy on issues important to Hindu Canadians and my firm stance against Khalistani extremism.”

Upcoming General Elections

The Liberal Party has since announced that Mark Carney will replace Arya as the party’s candidate for Nepean in the upcoming elections. The general elections in Canada are scheduled for April 28, 2025, and this decision is expected to have political implications within the Indian-origin community in Canada.

Arya’s removal highlights ongoing tensions in Canada’s political landscape concerning foreign influence and internal divisions over issues related to India. As the elections approach, this development could play a role in shaping voter sentiment among Indo-Canadian communities.