Kiren Rijiju Criticizes Opposition’s Silence Over Attack on Hindu Temple in Canada

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly condemned the opposition’s silence regarding a recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, allegedly carried out by Khalistani extremists. Rijiju took to social media to express his disbelief at the lack of condemnation from opposition leaders, questioning their commitment to addressing the incident, which he views as a serious escalation in tensions between India and Canada.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rijiju stated, “It’s unbelievable! A Hindu temple is under attack, and there’s not a word of condemnation from the ‘Leaders of Opposition.’ I may not be Hindu, but we all must be united.” He emphasized the need for unity in the face of such attacks and criticized the opposition for their “deafening silence.”

The attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Jaishankar highlighted the concerning nature of the incident and criticized Canada for its pattern of making allegations without substantial evidence, referring to the ongoing diplomatic tensions stemming from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s previous claims regarding Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The strained relations between India and Canada have intensified since Trudeau’s allegations in September, which India has dismissed as “absurd” and “motivated.” The Indian government has consistently raised concerns about Canada’s perceived support for pro-Khalistan elements operating within its borders.

As the situation unfolds, Rijiju’s comments reflect a growing frustration among Indian officials regarding the handling of these issues by Canadian authorities and the response from opposition parties back home. The incident underscores the complexities of Indo-Canadian relations and the challenges posed by international activism and extremism.