Toronto – Don Patel, a highly respected figure in the Indo-Canadian community, has dedicated over three decades to serving others. Since arriving in Canada in May 1992, Patel has been a tireless advocate for volunteerism, working with numerous charitable organizations and even receiving awards for his contributions. He has held leadership roles, including serving as president of Indo-Canadian organizations, assisting international students, and even arranging funerals for community members in need. His unwavering commitment was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he mobilized support for food distribution efforts, fundraising events, and relief programs for struggling families.
His efforts inspired countless others to engage in community work, making him a well-known name among Indo-Canadian circles. It was no surprise when the Conservative Party of Canada selected Patel as their candidate for Etobicoke North, a riding that has been held by the Liberals for 44 years. Many believed he had a strong chance of turning the seat blue.
Despite his decades of selfless service, the Conservative Party made the shocking announcement late Wednesday that Patel had been disqualified over alleged past social media activity. According to reports, a controversial post surfaced from years ago, which the party deemed “unacceptable.” However, no detailed explanation was provided, fueling suspicions that Patel may have been unfairly targeted for political reasons.
In an exclusive interview with Dhwani’s Chief Editor Hitesh Jagad, Patel shared his journey in Canada, discussing his passion for service and his vision as a political candidate. Jagad congratulated Patel on being nominated as the Conservative Party’s candidate for Etobicoke North. However, just as his candidacy was gaining momentum, news broke that Patel had been dropped by the party over a controversial past social media post.
Earlier on Wednesday, Patel had been actively campaigning, posting on X, “Another great day at the doors!”—a sign that his removal was entirely unexpected. His removal follows the recent ousting of other Conservative candidates, including Windsor city councillor Mark McKenzie, Montreal candidate Stefan Marquis, and New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville candidate Lourence Singh, all of whom were removed under controversial circumstances.
Supporters in Shock: ‘How Can This Happen?’
When Don Patel’s campaign team received the devastating news, they were left in absolute shock. Volunteers who had worked day and night to secure a Conservative victory in Etobicoke North were confident that Patel would break the Liberal stronghold. Many believed this was the best opportunity in decades for a Conservative MP to represent the riding.
“This decision is beyond shocking—it’s unacceptable. We were on track to WIN this riding for the first time in 44 years, and suddenly, Don is removed?” said one of Patel’s senior campaign members. “The Conservative Party just threw away a golden opportunity to defeat the Liberals here.”
The news also sent waves of frustration and anger through the local community, as many Etobicoke North residents had already placed their trust in Patel. His strong grassroots support, his deep connections with voters, and his history of service made him the ideal candidate. Now, his removal has left many feeling betrayed.
A Political Conspiracy?
Some of Patel’s close supporters are now convinced that this was a deliberate political move to weaken the Conservative chances in Etobicoke North. By removing a candidate with a real shot at winning, they argue, the party has effectively handed the riding back to the Liberals.
“Who benefits from this? The Liberals! The Conservatives had a star candidate in Don Patel, and they just removed him without a second thought,” one senior volunteer pointed out. “We worked tirelessly, knocked on thousands of doors, and had overwhelming community support. And just like that, it’s all taken away?”
The frustration among Patel’s team and community members is at an all-time high. Some are even contemplating leaving the Conservative Party altogether, believing that it has failed to stand by one of its strongest candidates.
A Systematic Attack on Indo-Canadian Candidates?
Many in the Indo-Canadian community are questioning whether this move is part of a larger pattern of political exclusion. Patel’s supporters argue that Indo-Canadian candidates, particularly those with Hindu roots, are being systematically sidelined in Canadian politics under the guise of “vetting” and “foreign influence concerns.”
“We have seen time and time again that Indo-Canadian candidates, especially those who have any connection to India, are targeted unfairly,” said a local Indo-Canadian activist. “It is pure hypocrisy. Every immigrant has a connection to their homeland, but suddenly, when an Indo-Canadian leader gains popularity, they are scrutinized beyond reason?”
Many are also questioning why something from the past should be used to eliminate a candidate today. “People evolve. Context changes. If Don Patel had said something years ago, does that mean his 34 years of community service mean nothing?” asked another supporter. “This was not about fairness. This was about keeping a strong Indo-Canadian leader out of the race.”
Allegations of Bias in Candidate Selection
These removals have sparked debates about fairness in candidate selection within Canadian federal parties. Allegations of favoritism and internal suppression have surfaced, particularly concerning Indo-Canadian Hindu candidates. Many aspiring politicians from this demographic claim they are being systematically sidelined in favor of candidates from other ethnic backgrounds.
Reports suggest that in multiple ridings, qualified local candidates were pushed out without clear reasons, raising concerns about transparency in the nomination process. Political experts note a growing trend of “parachuted” candidates—individuals with no significant local ties—being prioritized over well-established community figures.
Don Patel has yet to make a public statement about the decision, but sources close to him suggest that he is deeply disappointed and considering his next steps. His supporters, however, are not backing down. Many are demanding an explanation from the Conservative Party and even calling for Patel to run as an independent candidate.
With just weeks left before the election, this shocking development has dramatically changed the political landscape in Etobicoke North. One thing is certain—Don Patel’s removal has ignited a firestorm, and the Indo-Canadian community is not going to forget this betrayal anytime soon.
As the dust settles, many are left asking: Was this really about a social media post? Or was there a bigger agenda at play? The voters of Etobicoke North deserve to know the truth.
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