Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya has been informed by the Liberal Party of Canada that he will not be permitted to contest the leadership race to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The Nepean MP, who was born in Karnataka, was the first candidate to officially announce his intention to run, expressed disappointment and raised concerns about the transparency of the process.
In a heartfelt statement shared on X, Arya thanked the hundreds of volunteers who tirelessly mobilised support for his campaign and the thousands of Canadians who joined the Liberal Party to back his vision for an economically prosperous future. “Your unwavering dedication inspires me,” Arya wrote, adding that the party’s decision “raises significant questions.”
“This decision raises significant questions about the legitimacy of the leadership race and, by extension, the legitimacy of the next Prime Minister of Canada.”
Arya, who aspired to be Canada’s first Hindu Prime Minister, ran on a bold policy platform that included abolishing the monarchy, implementing a citizenship-based tax system, ending the consumer carbon tax, and raising the retirement age.
Arya also emphasised immigration reforms to prioritise skilled labour and proposed investment mandates to benefit Canada’s economic future. Despite these initiatives, the Liberal Party’s decision has effectively sidelined his campaign.
Arya’s exclusion comes as the leadership race intensifies, with heavyweights like former finance minister Chrystia Freeland and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney emerging as frontrunners.
Carney, in particular, continues to build momentum, securing endorsements from several high-profile cabinet ministers, including François-Philippe Champagne, Mélanie Joly, and Steven Guilbeault.
During a campaign event in Quebec, Champagne endorsed Carney and highlighted the importance of defending the French language and ensuring the next leader speaks both official languages—a point that could be a disadvantage for Arya, who does not speak French and has downplayed its significance to Quebec voters.
Arya’s candidacy had already drawn attention for its unconventional approach. He made headlines by openly stating that he does not speak French, an unusual stance in a leadership race where bilingualism is often seen as a prerequisite. Arya’s focus on economic reforms and his vocal advocacy for Hindu Canadians further differentiated his campaign.
Arya has been a backbench MP since his election in 2015 and has often taken strong positions on issues such as Ottawa-New Delhi relations and Khalistan extremism, making him a polarising figure within the party.
Arya has vowed to remain steadfast in his commitment to Canadians, saying,
“I remain steadfast in my commitment to working hard for the benefit of all Canadians. With a focused approach, I will continue striving to ensure a secure and prosperous future for the generations to come.”
However, his exclusion from the leadership race leaves significant questions unanswered, particularly regarding the party’s decision-making process and its implications for diversity and representation in Canadian politics.
The Liberal Party has 10 days to officially confirm its approved candidates, with other contenders including Karina Gould, Jaime Battiste, Ruby Dhalla, and Frank Baylis. The party’s next leader, set to be announced on March 9, will inherit a crucial role as Canada navigates economic challenges, climate policies, and international relations.
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