Jagmeet Singh, a Canadian politician, experienced a significant political downfall during the recent federal elections, where he not only lost his seat in British Columbia but also witnessed the New Democratic Party (NDP) lose its official status in Parliament. This unexpected defeat compelled Singh to announce his resignation as the leader of the party, concluding a leadership marked by strong rhetoric against India and vocal advocacy for the pro-Khalistan movement. During his concession speech, Singh, who was once celebrated as a groundbreaking leader for being the first individual from an ethnic minority to head a major Canadian political party, appeared visibly emotional, struggling to maintain his composure as he expressed gratitude to his supporters and his wife, Gurkiran Kaur, while confirming that he would remain in his position temporarily until an interim leader is appointed. His political decline represents a significant shift for a figure who previously wielded considerable influence in Canadian politics, having supported Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority government for over two years in return for increased social spending. However, Singh’s stances often provoked tensions with India and its diaspora, particularly his calls to prohibit the RSS, the ideological parent of India’s ruling BJP, alongside his consistent criticism of the Indian government. With Singh’s departure from the political arena, many in India perceive his defeat as the conclusion of a vocal and frequently adversarial presence that shaped Canadian discussions regarding Indian affairs.
