In a significant political fallout, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finds himself under intense scrutiny and pressure to resign following his controversial allegations against India linked to the killing of Khalistani militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau's continued accusations have drawn criticism not only from opposition parties but also from his own Liberal Party, raising questions about his leadership and future in office. The discord began after the murder of Nijjar in Canada last year, which Trudeau used as a basis to assert that India was involved in the incident. Critics have suggested that these claims were politically motivated, aimed at securing the Sikh vote in the upcoming elections.
India's response was swift, recalling its diplomats from Canada and ordering the Canadian high commissioner to leave the country, further escalating diplomatic tensions. In light of these developments, Trudeau has faced mounting challenges within his party, with a recent closed-door meeting revealing dissent among Liberal Party members. According to reports from the Times of India, a group of 24 MPs has formally called for Trudeau to resign by October 28, citing dissatisfaction with his leadership and strategy. This marks an unprecedented moment in his nearly nine-year tenure as Prime Minister, as he navigates a politically charged atmosphere and the potential for a significant shift in power.
Despite the growing calls for his resignation, Trudeau appeared optimistic following a lengthy three-hour meeting with his party. "The Liberal Party is united and strong. We will further strengthen our organization before next year's elections," he asserted. However, the reality of his situation is stark, with many insiders acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. The pressure on Trudeau intensified after the Liberal Party's disappointing performance in recent by-elections, where they lost key strongholds in June and September. Current polling reflects a troubling trend, with the Conservatives leading the Liberals 39 percent to 23 percent in favorability.
As general elections loom in October 2024, many MPs worry about their readiness and the prospect of a Conservative majority. Trudeau's recent parliamentary session further exemplified the growing tensions. During a heated exchange, he labeled opposition members as "Brokenists," a term that was met with ridicule from Opposition Leader Pierre Polievre, who mocked Trudeau for his linguistic creativity. The comments sparked laughter among attendees, underscoring the growing perception that Trudeau's grip on power may be slipping. With a coalition of pressures mounting from both within and outside his party, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's future remains uncertain. As the political landscape shifts, all eyes will be on how Trudeau responds to these challenges in the lead-up to the next election.