CHANDIGARH: Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh was forced to cancel his political rallies in Canada after objections were raised with the Canadian government. “On the request of the Foreign Ministry of Canada, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Captain Amarinder Singh, has cancelled his plans to hold political rallies in Toronto and Vancouver,” his spokesman said.
He said Singh was informed by Foreign Secretary S Jaishanker that the Canadian rules, under Global Affairs Policy, prevent foreign governments and individuals from conducting election campaigns in Canada. “Since his political conference could have violated the rules of the host country, he has decided to cancel them.” The decision was made after Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a human rights advocacy group, lodged a complaint with the Canadian government against the election activities planned by Amarinder Singh. “By targeting Non-Resident Indians living in Canada, canvassing for their votes and holding fundraising events in Toronto and Vancouver, Amarinder Singh would be in violation of Canadian government policy,” SFJ said.
In a statement, Amarinder Singh said, “Since the host country does not allow such events, I thought it was better to cancel them. I would, however, look forward to meeting my fellow Punjabis in their homes and small groups to ensure the compliance of the host country's laws.”
Amarinder's wife Preneet Kaur is on a 20-day visit to US and Canada to muster political and financial support from Punjabi diaspora. Punjabi diaspora have a considerable presence in the two countries and have been supporting political parties and leaders from Punjab, especially during election times. Punjab is due to vote early next year to elect the state`s 117-member Assembly.
