'Establishment felt threatened': Indian-origin Ruby Dhalla on disqualification from Canada PM race

Indian-origin politician Ruby Dhalla was disqualified from the Liberal Party leadership race on Friday, ending her bid to potentially become Canada’s next prime minister. Describing the disqualification as "shocking," Dhalla claimed that the "establishment got threatened."

Dhalla, a former MP who represented Brampton-Springdale from 2004 to 2011, expressed her shock and disappointment over the disqualification.

In a statement posted on X, she said, "I have just been informed by the Liberal Party of Canada that I have been disqualified from the leadership race. This decision is both shocking and deeply disappointing, especially since it was leaked to the media."


She dismissed the allegations against her as "false and fabricated," claiming the party’s actions were motivated by fear of her growing support. "The tactics used to remove me from this race only confirm what we already knew—our message was resonating, we were winning, and the establishment felt threatened," Dhalla said. "One day it was foreign interference, one day it was campaign violations—all in an attempt to keep me from debating Carney and winning."

Despite the setback, Dhalla vowed to continue her advocacy, saying, "I will continue to stand up for Canadians & fight for Canada."

Dhalla entered the leadership race last month with a strong stance on deporting illegal immigrants. Born and raised in Winnipeg before moving to Ontario, she pursued a career as a chiropractor and later transitioned into politics during the era of former Prime Minister Paul Martin. She describes herself as a "self-made businesswoman and entrepreneur" dedicated to the Liberal Party and Canada.