The leader of the People's Party of Canada, Maxime Bernier, has accused Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and leaders of the opposition Jagmeet Singh and Pierre Poilievre for responses regarding an attack on Hindu temples and devotees in Brampton a few days ago.
He further added that the leaders could not pinpoint the attackers as Khalistanis as they would be scared of offending their voter base.
Taking to X, Bernier posted, "Can you spot the difference between my tweet and that of the three establishment party leaders?
He called the three leaders "cowards" and said, "Not one of these cowards dares to even name the Khalistani Sikhs who are committing the violence. They're afraid to offend some voters, even though Khalistani supporters are a minority of Sikh Canadians.".
This laxity is the reason why Khalistani extremism is gaining momentum in this country," he said, along with the screenshot of the social media posts.
The backlash was witnessed in the wake of an attack near the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton where devotees were allegedly targeted by persons suspected to be affiliated with Khalistani groups. The Peel Police has been stationed outside the temple. No arrest has been made yet.
Earlier, Bernier was seen saying in the video published on X earlier, quoting that such incidents are going to make not even one Canadian to turn his back on the aspect that diversity is the real strength of the nation.
He says that nothing to worry as Khalistani Sikhs attack devotees at a Hindu temple in Brampton.
Nothing to worry about, though because of this diversity is our strength!!!
Independent MP Kevin Vuong had also criticized the attack of Khalistani extremists on Hindu devotees by saying, "Alarming to see an attack on Hindu Canadians. From Khalistani extremists to terrorist cosplayers, has become a safe harbour for radicals. Our leaders are failing to safeguard Hindus as they have Christians & Jewish Canadians from violence. We all deserve to worship in peace."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the attack and showed support for religious freedom and community safety, terming it "unacceptable."
"The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely," he said on X while also thanking Peel Regional Police for their quick response.
Pierre Poilievre, the opposition leader, also weighed in, labeling the attack "completely unacceptable.".
He assured Canadians that the Conservative Party is firmly against such violence and promised to "unite our people and end the chaos."
"This is completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today," he posted, adding that "Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally."
The New Democratic Party's leader, Jagmeet Singh, was one of the other leaders to denounce the violence but has been called out over his past regarding his supposed association with the Khalistani movement.
"I believe every Canadian should have the right to go about their place of worship peacefully. I unequivocally condemn acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir," he wrote on X while calling for community leaders to call for peace.
However, none of these leaders ever uttered the word Khalistani extremism in their posts.
It must also be pointed out that the other most notable past guest of such an event was Trudeau himself. In the past, Poilievre has attended events where pro-Khalistanis have shouted anti-India slogans.
Early this April, on Khalsa Day, when PM Trudeau went to the stage for his address, the "Khalistan Zindabad" slogans just did not subside as video by Canada-based CPAC TV captures.
Later, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre emerged to start his speech, while New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow attended the gathering.
The attack has brought a spotlight on the increasing religious intolerance in Canada. There were earlier incidents of vandalism at Hindu temples in Windsor, Mississauga, and Brampton.
Anti-India graffiti sprayed on a Hindu temple last year also shocked both the Canadian and Indian officials.
The bilateral ties between India and Canada have been strained since last year after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leveled "credible allegations" claiming that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has outrightly denied these claims saying them to be "absurd" and "motivated" while accusing Canada of permitting anti-India extremist activities on its soil.
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