Indian-origin Ruby Dhalla disqualified from Canada PM race
What's the story
Ruby Dhalla, an Indo-Canadian politician, has been disqualified from the leadership race of Canada's Liberal Party. This decision effectively ends her bid to become the country's next prime minister. Dhalla expressed her dismay at the disqualification, describing it as "shocking and deeply disappointing." She also claimed that this decision was leaked to the media and that the allegations against her were "false and fabricated."
Accusations
Dhalla accuses party of feeling threatened by her support
Dhalla hinted her rising support had become a threat to the party establishment. "The tactics used to remove me from this race only confirm what we already knew—our message was resonating, we were winning, and the establishment felt threatened," she said. The allegations against Dhalla were of foreign interference and campaign violations, which she dismissed as attempts to stop her from debating fellow candidate Mark Carney.
Political career
Dhalla's political journey and campaign promises
Dhalla announced her candidacy in January after Justin Trudeau resigned as party leader. Her campaign promised to deport illegal immigrants and fight human trafficking. Born in Winnipeg to Punjabi immigrants, she was an MP for Brampton-Springdale from 2004-2011. The Liberal Party denied any questions related to foreign interference in their communication with Dhalla, a spokesperson confirmed to CBC News.
Continued advocacy
Dhalla's commitment to Canada remains strong
Despite the disqualification, Dhalla reiterated her commitment to continue fighting for Canadians. "I will continue to fight for Canada," she said. This was just a day after Dhalla dismissed Canadian media reports of India interfering in her campaign. The Globe and Mail had reported that the Liberal Party had sent her questions related to possible foreign interference from the Indian government, a claim which was later denied by a party spokesperson.