Jagmeet Singh loses Canada polls, resigns as NDP leader: Disappointed but hopeful
Jagmeet Singh, a pro-Khalistani Sikh leader in Canada, has resigned as the head of his New Democratic Party (NDP) after a crushing defeat in the general election, losing his own seat and leaving the party likely reduced to a single-digit seat count.As the polls closed in Canada, Singh conceded defeat in his British Columbia riding of Burnaby Central, and the party is at risk of losing its official status, according to Canadian media.advertisementWhile Mark Carney's Liberal Party projected to win the election with over 160 seats, the NDP was reduced to just seven seats out of the 343 contested, securing only 2 per cent of the vote share. In the previous election, the New Democrats had won 24 seats.
"I am disappointed that we could not win more seats. But I am not disappointed in our movement. I am hopeful for our Party. I KNOW that we will always choose hope over fear," the 46-year-old leader responded to the defeat and stepped down as the party chief after eight years in charge.He said, "But we are only defeated when we believe those that tell us we can never dream of a better Canada. I've often spoken of a lesson my mother shared with me: the Sikh teaching of Chardi Kala. It means 'rising spirits'. Optimism over struggle. This is the spirit I carry tonight," he tweeted.advertisementJagmeet Singh has been a vocal supporter of Khalistani politics, with his views often aligning with the objectives of the Khalistani movement, which seeks to establish a separate Sikh state in India. As India-Canada relations deteriorated following Ottawa's allegations of New Delhi's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, Singh emerged as a prominent figure backing former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.Trudeau's Liberals relied on Singh's NDP to remain in power for four years. However, last September, the NDP became the last of Canada's three main opposition parties to break with Trudeau, with Singh accusing him of caving in to corporate greed.Singh, who was running his third federal election campaign, was the first ethnic minority politician to lead a major federal party in Canada.Must Watch
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Last Updated: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation for PM Narendra Modi shows that even Canada realises that India can't be ignored Canada's invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 Summit next week has stunned not only the Congress, but also the Khalistani groups who have been running rampant in Canada. The former has been humbled after questioning PM Modi's potential absence, while the latter have begun protests. PM Modi will be in Canada after a decade. His last visit was in 2015 as part of a three-nation tour. Since 2024, besides Pakistan, India's diplomatic ties hit rock bottom with only one other country — Canada. Accusatory barbs were exchanged and diplomats were withdrawn. In such a scenario, Modi's visit to Canada seemed improbable. This is why the invite from new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney assumes significance. 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Modi's G7 engagements since 2019 demonstrate India's deepening global footprint and the trust placed in the PM's global leadership. India must leverage this to ensure Canada falls in line and is no longer a haven for anti-India extremists. The G7 Summit will be Carney's first test on this count. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister's More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Homework Column india canada Narendra Modi news18 specials Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 09, 2025, 07:00 IST News india Canada Has Invited PM Modi For G7 Summit, But India Must Remain Cautiously Optimistic | Homework
