A massive row has erupted in Canada after an independent MLA slammed an invitation to Punjabi singers, including Jazzy B, a known Khalistani sympathiser, to the British Columbia assembly, calling it “an insult to our legislature”.
Dallas Brodie posted a video featuring British Columbia Conservative MLA Steve Kooner expressing admiration for Jazzy B, whose real name is Jaswinder Singh Bains and lives in Canada, during a visit to the assembly.
"I come from a singing family myself, and Jazzy B did sing part of my dad's song about thirty years ago. I really appreciated that. And, so I wanna just welcome Jazzy B and also Sabi Gunnar, Inderpal Moga, Chani Nattan, who I know from the community, Marco, Mander,” Kooner can be heard saying.
“Today several prominent pro-Kalistani figures were welcomed in the BC Legislature by MLAs of both the BC Conservatives and NDP. Some of those individuals have openly celebrated violent extremists and murderers in their music videos. This is an insult to our Legislature," Brodie posted on X, condemning the invite.
He was referring to the New Democratic Party, which was until recently led by pro-Khalistani leader Jagmeet Singh who stepped down after losing his Burnaby Central seat in the province in the national elections held in April. His party stands to lose national status as its slipped to eights seats from 24.
The video of Kooner was first shared by Wyatt Claypool, senior correspondent and editor at The National Telegraph, who posted several threads criticising the public recognition of the artistes.
“What’s with all the MLAs in the BC legislature introducing all the Khalistani rappers today? Jazzy B is a hardcore Khalistani activist who has several times called for Khalistan," he posted.
In another post, he shared a photo of a music video featuring Jazzy B with the image of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the Khalistan separatist leader. “Here is Jazzy B’s music video cover with the terrorist Bhindranwale on it. (The guy who called for 5,000 Hindus to be murdered)."
“I am deeply honoured, humbled, and grateful to have been invited to attend The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia 1st Session 43rd Parliament, hosted by The Premier Hon. David Eby, K.C., Speaker of the House Hon. Raj Chouhan, and Hon. Spencer Chandra Herbert" Jazzy B wrote.
Canada's soft stance on Khalistan and Khalistani sympathisers has been a major irritant for India, with ties sinking to their lowest during Justin Trudeau's term. With Prime Minister Mark Carney leading the Liberal Party to an impressive win in April, a thaw in icy ties was expected but the British Columbia assembly invite is unlikely to go down well with New Delhi.
Punjabis, especially Sikhs, play a significant role in British Columbia politics. In the 2024 provincial election, Indian-origin candidates with roots in Punjab secured 14 seats in the 93-member assembly, their highest ever representation, an Indian Express report said.
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