The newly elected leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh’s statement on the right to self-determination in Punjab has evoked sharp reactions from politicians in the state.
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said Jagmeet Singh was “totally unaware of the ground realities in India, where Sikhs hold a place of pride with their excellent achievements in every field”.
Capt Singh accused the NDP leader of trying to destabilise Punjab by making divisive comments. The Punjab CM further said the Canadian authorities shouldn’t allow any attempts from their land to spread discord in India.
The opposition parties in Punjabi, the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Aam Aadmi Party also condemned the Canadian Sikh leader’s comments.
“They should mind their own affairs. We respect the sovereignty of our country. Punjab and our party are an unbreakable part of the Indian democratic and political system,” party spokesperson Dr Daljit Cheema said.
Punjab Aam Aadmi Party MP Bhagwant Mann said Jagmeet Singh’s statement was part of Canada’s domestic politics.
“We congratulate Jagmeet on his achievements in another country, but that does not mean he can say anything he likes or talk about self-determination in Punjab,” he said.
“India is a democratic country where everyone from a sarpanch to an MP is elected by the people. Punjab is very much its part. We swear by the Constitution. Punjab is the annadata (provider of grain) to the country. It has seen ups and downs but I am confident that it will regain its glory,” Hindustan Times quoted Mann as saying.
The 38-year-old lawyer, Jagmeet Singh became the first Sikh to take up the leadership of a major political party in Canada earlier this month.
Last week, Mr Singh said he considered self-determination a “basic right” in places, such as Punjab, Catalonia or Quebec.
