India Can Assist In A Quebec Referendum: BJP leader Jay Panda In Sarcastic Comment

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Baijayant Jay Panda made a sarcastic comment on social media platform X, suggesting that India should assist in a referendum on Quebec's independence.

Panda said: "in the spirit of friendship with Canada, we in India must consider facilitating an online referendum on the Quebec independence issue (in gratitude for their allowing Khalistani separatists to try the same on Canadian soil)."

Notably, the Quebec referendums were votes held in Quebec, Canada, to decide whether the province should become independent from Canada.

The 1980 referendum rejected independence, while the 1995 vote narrowly upheld Quebec's status as part of Canada. These referendums remain pivotal events in Canadian history, fueling ongoing debates about Quebec's place within the country.

"Perhaps we should also offer Indian soil for the Quebec independence movement’s events commemorating their sacrifices, bombings, and assassination attempts (again, just like Canada has been so considerate to allow for the Khalistanis)," Panda added.

Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's terming Khalistani's calls for the breakup of India as free speech, Panda said, "this would also embellish the spirit of free speech so cherished in both our nations, & would help clarify the increasing support for an independent Quebec (as reported in media earlier this year)."

He also batted for giving support to Canadian politicians who want Quebec independence, stating that India should meet and understand their views.

Finally, Panda offered his services in promoting the Quebec referendum, saying that, "In the spirit of Indo-Canadian friendship & cooperation, I would be glad to host an interaction for them here in Delhi."

This comes after Trudeau blamed the Indian government for interfering in Canadian internal affairs, apart from blaming the assassination of a terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The Canadian government also asked one senior Indian diplomat to leave Canada.

In response, the Indian government rejected Trudeau's assertions, apart from expelling one Canadian diplomat.