India accused of meddling in Canada’s Conservative Party race

TORONTO: Canada’s Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has said he won his leadership “fair and square” following reports that India allegedly meddled in the party’s 2022 leadership race, BBC reported.

Citing a source with top-security clearance, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported allegations that Indian agents were involved in fundraising and organising within Canada’s South Asian community to support Poilievre. There is no evidence that Poilievre or his team were aware of the alleged interference.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney also faced scrutiny over whether a candidate was ousted due to alleged ties to India. Both leaders fielded questions as they campaigned ahead of Canada’s 28 April election.

India has been accused of election interference in Canada before, but its government has repeatedly denied the allegations.

The Globe and Mail reported on Monday that Canadian intelligence agents could not raise concerns about India’s alleged involvement with Poilievre because he had not obtained the necessary security clearance. The report said India’s alleged attempts to interfere were part of a larger effort to influence Canadian politicians of all parties.