How Justin Trudeau’s allegations against India paved the way for his downfall
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a political crisis that could lead to his resignation. Trudeau, who has become increasingly isolated within his Liberal Party, has been accused of using the allegations against India to distract from growing domestic challenges, including a declining economy and discontent within his own party.
Liberal Party revolt
Over the past year, several high-profile Liberal Party MPs, including Sean Casey and Ken Macdonald, have publicly demanded that Trudeau step down, citing dissatisfaction with his leadership. Reports suggest that more than 20 Liberal MPs have signed a pledge demanding his resignation.
Chrystia Freeland’s resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister in December dealt a blow to Trudeau’s government. Freeland’s resignation was reportedly caused by policy disagreements, including Trudeau’s handling of potential US tariffs and his economic strategy.
“Like most families, sometimes we have fights during the holidays,” Trudeau said in December. “But of course, like most families, we find a way to get through it. You know, I love this country, I love this party very much, I love you guys, and love is what families are all about.”
Freeland, who criticized Trudeau and his “expensive political stunts” in her resignation letter, did not agree with the sentiment. Following Freeland’s resignation, Trudeau disappeared from media briefings or public events and spent most of his time at ski resorts.
Adding to the internal turmoil, the Liberal Party suffered losses in two recent by-elections.
Key allies such as New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh have said they will introduce a motion in the Canadian Parliament to topple the government. Currently on winter recess, the Canadian Parliament will resume its proceedings on January 27.
Trudeau’s gamble with India
Tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa have been escalating since Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in September 2023. Nijjar was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Canada. India rejected the allegation as “absurd”. Trudeau’s claim that India sponsors criminal activities has drawn sharp criticism domestically and internationally.
In the controversy that followed, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its envoy to Ottawa after Canada attempted to question Indian officials as “stakeholders” in the Nijjar case. Pro-Khalistan activities in Canada, including an attack on a Hindu temple near Toronto, further inflamed relations between the two countries.
India has consistently denied any link to the killing of Nijjar, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) designated terrorist, and accused the Trudeau administration of appeasing Khalistani supporters for political gain.
Despite multiple exchanges, including meetings at international forums such as the G-20 summit, Canada has failed to provide any conclusive evidence linking India to the killing.
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