Pro-Khalistan politician and New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh has announced his resignation from party leadership after a stunning electoral defeat in Canada’s 45th federal election. Singh not only lost his own seat in Burnaby Central, British Columbia—finishing third—but also saw his party fail to meet the 12-seat threshold required to retain official party status in Parliament, according to CTV News.
“It’s been the honour of my life to lead the NDP and represent Burnaby Central,” Singh said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), conceding defeat. “I know this night is disappointing for New Democrats… but I am hopeful for our movement.”
The riding of Burnaby Central had undergone electoral redistribution before the vote, which may have contributed to Singh’s loss. Singh had held the seat since 2019. Throughout his tenure, he had drawn criticism for his pro-Khalistan rhetoric and repeated public support for Khalistani activists in Canada.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party are projected to hold onto power following the snap election. Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau after an internal revolt within the Liberal Party, launched an early election seeking a renewed mandate amid rising tensions with the U.S. under President Donald Trump, who had branded Canada as the “51st state.”
Despite initial polling challenges, the Liberals maintained a four-point lead heading into election day, as shown by an IPSOS poll conducted by Global News. Carney’s leadership, particularly his firm stance on sovereignty and economic resilience, appears to have resonated with voters.
In contrast to Trudeau’s strained ties with India, especially after accusations related to the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Nijjar, Carney has signaled a desire to rebuild relations with New Delhi, notably offering condolences after the recent Pahalgam terror attack.