Trudeau has no locus standi to remark on the internal issues of India: Ex Envoy

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked up a controversy in the Indian political circle after his comments on the farmer protests. Many leaders had a sharp reaction to the comments made by Trudeau, with the MEA spokesperson calling the Canadian PM's concerns "unwarranted". Former Indian Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar, while talking to ETV Bharat, called Trudeau’s remark uncalled-for.

New Delhi: Commenting on Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s comment on farmers protest in India, an ex-envoy said these are internal issues of India and the Canadian Prime Minister has no ‘locus standi’ whatsoever.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Former Indian Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar said, “I consider Trudeau’s remark uncalled- for. These are internal issues of India; he (Canadian Prime Minister) has no locus-standi whatsoever. In no uncertain terms, I oppose it and highly condemned his remarks”.

“The Prime minister is playing domestic politics because he has a huge ‘Sikh vote bank’ and he is pandering to their sentiments. He has no business to be doing things. The Prime Minister need to look after the welfare of those people in his own country, rather than talking about the welfare of citizens of other countries. Hence, it is completely off the mark. He has no standing and his comment is uncalled- for”, he added.

Further, the ex-envoy on farm bill said, “I am fully in support of the farm bill, although I am not a farmer we need reforms. Whatever I have observed or have spoken to the analysts and commentators, I think this is going in the right direction”.

This comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said Canada will always be there to defend the rights of the peaceful protesters, backing Indian farmers protesting against the new farm laws, noting that the situation is “concerning”.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is the first world leader to comment on the farmer protests taking place in India. He was speaking on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak on Tuesday when he raised ‘concerns’ regarding the situation in India.

Interacting virtually with Canadians from the Sikh community, Trudeau said, “I would be remiss if I didn’t start also by recognizing the news coming out of India about the protests by the farmers. The situation is concerning and we are all very worried about family and friends”.

We know that’s a reality for many of you. Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protesters. We believe in the importance of dialogue. We have reached out through multiple means to the Indian authorities to highlight our concerns. This is a moment for all of us to pull together”, added the Canadian Prime Minister.

We are going to be there to continue to work together as we help each other. It is important to think neighbours helping neighbours as we develop the pandemic”, he stated.

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Pertinently, Canada which has a huge population from the Sikh community and has many important ministers in the Canadian cabinet has been very vocal about issues concerning Punjab and its people.

Previously, Canadian defence minister Harjit Singh Sajjan had written on Twitter saying, “The reports of peaceful protesters being brutalized in India are very troubling. Many of my constituents have family there and are worried about the safety of their loved ones. Healthy democracies allow peaceful protest I urge those involved to uphold this fundamental right”.

Meanwhile, India on Tuesday strongly objected to Canadian leaders comment on the ongoing farmer’s agitation, terming them “ill-informed” and “unwarranted” and asked them to refrain from commenting on India’s internal affairs.

“We have seen some ill-informed comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India. These are unwarranted especially when about the internal affairs of democratic conversations aren’t misrepresented for political purposes”, Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement without directly naming Prime Minister Trudeau.

Earlier in the day, replying to the Trudeau’s statement, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi took to Twitter and said, “Dear @Justin Trudeau, touched by your concern but India’s internal issue is not foddered for another nation’s politics. Please respect the courtesies that we always extend to other nations. Request PM @narendramodi Ji to resolve the impasse before other countries find it okay to opine”.

The farmers have entered the sixth consecutive day on Tuesday protesting against the new farm laws, which they fear will dismantle the minimum support price system and corporatize farming.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday had invited protesting leaders of farmers unions for talks on Tuesday, instead of Dec 3, citing the Covid-19 pandemic and cold.