OTTAWA/CALGARY (Rajeev Sharma): More than 101 Canadian community, cultural, religious and advocacy organizations have signed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney and senior federal ministers, urging the Government of Canada to uphold due process, religious freedom and equal treatment in considering the proposed visit of Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak (chief) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Carney, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, says Bhagwat’s proposed visit is of significant interest to members of Canada’s Hindu community. The signatories argue that any decision regarding his entry into Canada should be based on Canadian law, credible evidence and established legal procedures.
The organizations also raise concerns about public calls attributed to NDP MPs Jenny Kwan and Heather McPherson, along with other organizations, seeking to prevent Bhagwat from entering Canada or have him considered inadmissible. The letter states that allegations involving hate speech, violence against religious minorities, intimidation or associations with criminal or listed terrorist organizations are serious claims that should be supported by clear, credible and independently verifiable evidence.
The signatories further argue that concerns about potential public-safety risks or social disorder should similarly be assessed through established governmental and legal processes. They maintain that if Canadian authorities possess evidence that could constitute legal grounds for inadmissibility, the matter should be addressed through the appropriate mechanisms under Canadian law rather than through political rhetoric or public pressure.
The letter also emphasizes what the organizations describe as the importance of equal treatment for Canadian Hindus. It states that members of Canada’s Hindu community are entitled to the same protections relating to freedom of religion, freedom of expression, peaceful association and participation in public life as Canadians of other faiths and backgrounds.
At the same time, the organizations acknowledge that political disagreement, criticism and peaceful protest are legitimate aspects of Canadian democracy. They urge political leaders and community organizations to exercise responsibility in their public statements and avoid rhetoric that could deepen divisions within Canada’s diverse communities.
The signatories include organizations such as the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce, Canada India Foundation, Canada India Global Forum, BAPS, Hindu Society of Canada, Hindu Mission of Canada, Hindu Heritage Centre, Hindu Sabha Temple, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, VHP Canada, VYASA Canada, Jain Society and numerous regional cultural and community organizations.
The letter concludes by urging the federal government to uphold equality, pluralism, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, peaceful association and due process when considering Dr. Bhagwat’s proposed visit to Canada.
