The fall of Trudeau

The statements made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his final days in office will not easily fade but are already etched in many minds. Without knowing the soil under his feet collapsing, Trudeau indulged in rampant Anti-Indian statements during the last few months. And just into the start of 2025, he is no longer the prime minister of Canada. India, since independence, never abetted terrorism, nor conspired against any country. Trudeau’s bilious rant at India was vague in its facts and it should be viewed as nothing less than a cheap trick from his book to win the Khalistani extremist in his country.

Trudeau maintained good relations with India during his early days in office in 2015. Canada is now home to lakhs of Indians who have migrated for work and studies. The Sikh community from India is the most dominant among them. They have great influence in business and politics. Under the guise of it, some religious fundamentalist groups used to carry out hatred against India. While in office, Trudeau kept a blind eye on such demonstrations. India had to finally break the silence when more money and arms started falling into the hands of Khalistanis to activate their network in Canada and issue dangerous threats to officials in India.

In June 2023, Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead by unidentified gunmen. This was the mainspring that gave the first blow to the diplomatic relations between the two countries. Trudeau initially accused India of being behind the killings and boasted of having credible evidence. After India denied the allegation, both countries recalled their diplomats. But within a month, Trudeau retracted the allegation that there was evidence of India's role. Trudeau's downfall should be a lesson to all rulers who fawn to certain extremist elements. Trudeau's administration after 2021 was backed by the New Democratic Party led by Sikh Jagmeet Singh. Trudeau resorted to many anti-India measures only eyeing this vote bank in British Columbia province.

However, the coalition broke recently. The economic crisis, housing shortage, soaring inflation, uncontrolled immigration, and the unaffordable cost of living led to Trudeau's downfall. Trump, who mocks Trudeau by calling him the governor of Canada, has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports when he takes office. An additional 10 per cent import duty alone would result in Canada incurring an additional liability of 30 billion Canadian dollars per year. Parliamentary elections will be held in October. Even the name of the Indian-origin Transport Minister Anita Anand is being mentioned to the Liberal Party leadership. Trudeau is not a closed chapter. It should be seen if he can bounce back. Anyway, an Indian origin Anita Anand becoming the new PM of Canada would send Trudeau packing.