Indo-Canadian politician Ruby Dhalla has been disqualified from running for leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada and the nation’s Prime Ministerial seat.

The decision was announced on Saturday, and Dhalla said that she was shocked and tremendously disappointed, mainly because the decision had been leaked to the press.

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Dhalla Denies Allegations, Calls Them ‘False and Fabricated’

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dhalla dismissed the allegations made against her by the Liberal Party, calling them “false and fabricated.” She said that the tactics used to remove her from the race indicated that her campaign was gaining traction and threatening the establishment.

“One day it was foreign interference, one day it was campaign violations – all in an attempt to keep me from debating Carney and winning,” she wrote.

Despite being disqualified, Dhalla renewed her vow of standing up for Canadians and combat for the country.

Foreign Interference Allegations & Party’s Response

Her disqualification came a day after she dismissed reports by the media that India meddled with her campaign.

Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail had reported that the Liberal Party had questioned Dhalla about “potential foreign interference in her leadership campaign from the Indian government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

But a party spokesperson informed CBC News that none of the questions had anything to do with foreign interference, officially rejecting the claims.

Dhalla’s Political Journey & Leadership Ambitions

Dhalla declared her bid for Liberal Party leadership in January 2024 to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

She had also made strong policy commitments, declaring:

“As Prime Minister, I will deport illegal immigrants and clamp down on human traffickers. That’s my promise to you.”

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Punjabi immigrant parents, Dhalla was elected to the House of Commons in 2004, serving in the Brampton-Springdale riding.

Trudeau’s Resignation & Liberal Party Leadership Contest

Earlier this month in January, Justin Trudeau revealed that he is resigning as Liberal Party leader, citing internal issues and explaining that he could no longer remain the “best choice” for the next election.

The 53-year-old confirmed that he will remain in office as Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen through a countrywide leadership contest.