Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre extended his Diwali greetings and clubbed it with ‘Bandi Chor Divas’ wish inviting criticism for the way he worded it. Social media users commented that he was pandering to Khalistanis and it was no wonder that his party lost the last election. “Sikhs, Hindus, Jains & Buddhists across Canada are celebrating Bandi Chhor Divas & Diwali — festivals of light, freedom & hope. May this day inspire peace, justice & prosperity for all. Happy Diwali & Bandi Chhor Divas!” Pierre Poilievre posted. Social media users claimed they are Hindus, Jains and Buddhists and never heard of Bandi Chhor Divas. Prime Minister Mark Carney too wished for Bandi Chhor Divas but he kept his message only for the Sikh communities in Canada. “Sikh communities are gathering across Canada today for Bandi Chhor Divas — a celebration of freedom and justice. As you come together with family and friends to reflect on the values of service, faith, and generosity, I wish you a wonderful celebration,” Carney wrote, making separate posts for Bandi Chhor and Diwali. Former Indian diplomat Kanwal Sibal asked whether Hindus, Jains and Buddhists in Canada really celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas. “In India they don’t. Sikh sentiments should be respected. The struggle against the Mughal empire is an important part of our history. The Sikhs have played an illustrious role. But the cardinal importance of Diwali anchored in our civilisation should not be devalued and have secondary place,” Sibal commented “In India and all over the world Sikhs celebrate Diwali. Bandi Chhor Divas is actually a random Sikh day plucked out of February as a means to divide Hindus and Sikhs by Khalistanis. If you see a politician mentioning it, it means they have Khalistanis advising them or they are taking laundered narco money to fund their party. Sometimes both,” Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman posted. “Pierre, find some new advisors. This is just sad. The timing and the way you worded this is horrible. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains – all part and parcel of Dharmic Traditions. Your advisors want to create division within these groups,” Canadian Hindu activist Shawn Binda posted.”On Christmas Day, we should wish this moron Eid Mubarak. WTF is Bandi Chhor man? Never celebrated it. Don’t know any Hindu who celebrates it,” one social media user wrote.
