Canada has been witnessing political turmoil as Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau announced his resignation from the Prime Ministerial post. Pressure was mounting on Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to resign from his post by his own party due to souring diplomatic relationships with various countries as well as concerning domestic issues. Trudeau announced Monday his decision to step down ahead of the 2025 elections. He said he would step down once the ruling Liberal Party Liberal Party elects a new leader. Now, an Indian-origin Liberal Party leader named Anita Anand is said to be the front-runner to be the next Canadian PM.
As a result, geopolitical watchdogs are digging deep into Anita Anand's stance on Khalistan. Notably, Justin Trudeau during his tenure came at diplomatic loggerheads with India's Modi Government over the Khalistan issue, especially regarding Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder. As a result, geopolitical experts will want to know about Anita Anand's opinion or her take on the Khalistan issue. True Scoop tried to dig deep into Anita Anand's comment on Pro Khalistan protestors and elements living in Canada.
Anita Anand on Khalistan
When Canada and India were at diplomatic loggerheads, Anita Anand had broken her silence over the security concerns of Indian diplomats. Although Anita Anand has not spoken much about the Pro Khalistan protests and Khalistan issue, she once expressed concerns about Indian diplomats.
Minister of National Defence Anita Anand posted on X quoted by Hindustan Times, "The materials posted online for a protest on July 8 are unacceptable, and they do not represent Canadians. Canada will continue to ensure the safety of foreign diplomats in this country – and we take this responsibility seriously."
As per Statesman, Anita Anand first grabbed headlines in 2023 before her visit to India. Anita intended to foster stronger defence and security ties between Canada and India, underlining the importance of bilateral cooperation.
For the unversed, the threat perception over the security of Indian missions and envoys escalated after pro-Khalistan elements put out a poster with violent imagery, the words ‘Kill India’ and photographs of its high commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verna, consul general in Toronto Apoorva Srivastava and consul general in Vancouver Manish.
Who is Anita Anand?
Born in 1967, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Anita Indira Anand hails from a family of Indian physicians. Her late mother, Saroj D. Ram, was an accomplished anesthesiologist, while her father, S.V. (Andy) Anand, excelled as a general surgeon. As per reports, Anita Anand has her roots in Tamil Nadu and Punjab. Anita Anand is the current Minister of Transport and Internal Trade in Canada. She and her husband, John, raised their four children in Oakville.