Indian-Origin MP Files Nomination for Canadian PM’s Race
SJ Singh/ Diaspora Correspondent/ January 17,2025
Chandra Arya, an Indian-origin Member of the Parliament of Nepean, Canada has officially entered the race for Prime Minister of Canada after filing a nomination and addressing the House in Kannada.
“It is a proud moment for about 5 crore Kannadigas that a person from Shira taluk of Tumkur district in Karnataka has been elected as a Member of Parliament in Canada and is now speaking in Kannada in this esteemed institution,” Arya said, addressing the Parliament of Canada.
Concluding his speech, Arya honored the legacy of Kannada poet laureate Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, quoting a line from a famous song sung by legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar. “Elladaru iru enthadaru iru endendigu nee Kannadavaagiru, Kannadave Sathya Kannadave Nithya,” Arya said, emphasizing the importance of identity and pride in being a Kannadiga, no matter where you are in the world.
Arya, a native of Tumkur district in Karnataka, did his MBA from Dharwad before moving to Canada. Earlier this week, he announced that he was running for the position of Prime Minister of Canada.Arya was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015.
Indian-Origin MP Files Nomination for Canadian PM’s Race. Earlier in January, Arya had announced his candidacy for the position of Prime Minister, just hours before the Liberal Party revealed that their next leader would be chosen on March 9. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had announced to step down but assured to remain in the post till a new leader is selected.
A few months ago, Chandra Arya engaged in a dispute with New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh and Liberal caucus colleague Sukh Dhaliwal following clashes between separatist Sikh protesters and Hindu worshippers at a temple in the Greater Toronto Area. The incident occurred during a visit from Indian consular officials amid rising tensions between Canada and India.
