Removal of Don Patel by CPC demonstrates ongoing threat of Indian proxies interfering in 2025 Federal Election

੨੧ ਚੇਤ, ਨਾਨਕਸ਼ਾਹੀ ੫੫੭

Removal of Don Patel by CPC demonstrates ongoing threat of Indian proxies interfering in 2025 Federal Election

(Brampton, ON: 21 Chet, Nanakshahi 557 | April 3, 2025 CE) – As Canadians prepare for the upcoming federal election, the Sikh Federation (Canada) is renewing its call for all federal candidates to respond to the 2025 Candidate Questionnaire and take a clear stand on Indian foreign interference and anti-Sikh hate. Amid ongoing concerns about Indian foreign interference, transnational repression, and rising anti-Sikh hate in Canada, all parties must ensure they field candidates who take a transparent stand on safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty, civil liberties, and democratic institutions.

In a public press conference on March 24, Vanessa Lloyd, Deputy Director of Operations at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), confirmed that the Government of India “continues to have the intent and capability to interfere in Canadian elections.” This public statement from Canada’s top intelligence officials reinforces what Sikh organizations and grassroots communities have been warning about for years: Indian interference is real, ongoing, and continues to pose a significant threat to Canadian communities and democratic processes.

Recent media reports have revealed that the Liberal Party revoked Chandra Arya’s nomination due to alleged foreign interference concerns linked to India while the Conservative Party removed a candidate, Don Patel, after public backlash over his endorsement of anti-Sikh hate. Reports indicate that both individuals have ties to India’s Modi government or consular officials who have been expelled from Canada due to their role in orchestrating violence in Canada.

The Hogue Commission’s report on India’s foreign interference in Canada during the 2019 and 2021 federal elections was clear that a “body of intelligence indicates that proxy agents may have, and may continue to be, clandestinely providing illicit financial support to various Canadian politicians in an attempt to secure the election of pro-india candidates or gain influence over candidates who take office.” This is particularly concerning as recent events shows a potential continuity between the Hogue Commission’s findings on India's interference tactics in 2019 and 2021, and similar concerns coming to light with the removal of Conservative candidate Don Patel in the 2025 federal election. Patel's connection with expelled Indian Consul, Siddhartha Nath, are especially alarming.

Sikh Federation (Canada) National Spokesperson, Bhai Moninder Singh, commented:

“These revelations illustrate that Indian interference is not a partisan issue—India’s violent activities impact parties across the political spectrum and have been accompanied by disinformation campaigns, coercive tactics, and hate-fueled narratives targeting Sikhs in Canada. The community is particularly concerned that individuals who have expressed or amplified anti-Sikh hate continue to find space in mainstream political platforms.”

In this context, the Federation’s 2025 Candidate Questionnaire—distributed to candidates from all political parties in over 30 key ridings—offers a crucial opportunity for political candidates to publicly clarify where they stand on foreign interference, transnational repression, protecting civil liberties, and combating anti-Sikh hate. The deadline for candidate responses is April 16, 2025, and all submissions will be published.

Sikhs across the country are also reiterating a call for a new, dedicated public inquiry that squarely focuses on Indian foreign interference, including its violent and clandestine operations targeting Canadian citizens and institutions.

For media inquiries: please contact info@sikhfederation.ca.