rjeet The 2025 Canada election witnessed the Liberal Party, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, retaining power as Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre accepted defeat. The results of the election created a mix of emotions for Indian-origin politicians who contested heavily. While some enjoyed clear-cut victories, others tasted significant defeats — including high-profile leaders such as Jagmeet Singh.
Jagmeet Singh Resigns After Losing Seat (NDP)
New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh lost his Burnaby Central seat to Liberal Party candidate Wade Chang. Singh only garnered 18.1% of the vote, while Chang took 42.1% and Conservative candidate James Yan trailed closely behind with 38.7%.
It’s been the honour of my life to lead the NDP, and to represent the people of Burnaby Central.
Congratulations to Prime Minister Carney, and to all the other leaders on a hard-fought campaign.
I know this night is disappointing for New Democrats. 🧵
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) April 29, 2025
Singh, who was born to Indian immigrants and is famous for his vocal support of social justice, resigned from party leadership after the defeat. “He would speak for all Canadians and defend our nation and its sovereignty from the dangers of Donald Trump,” he said in appreciation of Prime Minister Carney’s win.
Amarjeet Sohi (Liberal Party)
Liberal incumbent Amarjeet Sohi lost to Conservative challenger Jagsharan Singh Mahal in Edmonton Southeast. Mahal won with 53.6% of the vote, with Sohi capturing 38.3%. Sohi, in spite of the surprise defeat, was gracious, “Yes, this is not the result we expected, but this is the result we accept.”
Amarjeet Sohi had been the mayor of Edmonton since 2021 and returned to stand in federal office. Sohi was born in a village near Punjab’s Sangrur in 1964.
Anita Anand Wins Third Consecutive Term (Liberal Party)
In Oakville East, Liberal candidate Anita Anand won comfortably with 50.7% of the votes, beating Conservative opponent Ron Chhinzer. Anand, who is serving as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, remains one of the notable figures in Canadian politics.
A Nova Scotia-born politician, Anand has Tamil and Punjabi heritage and had previously served as a minister with important cabinet posts such as Minister of Defence.
Sukh Dhaliwal (Liberal Party)
Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal won his seat in Surrey Newton with 49.2% of the vote, compared to Conservative candidate Harjit Singh Gill’s 44.1%. Dhaliwal has been in the riding since 2015 and is the Chair of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.
He has also played a role in several parliamentary committees on infrastructure, trade, and ethics.
Jayesh Brahmbhatt (People’s Party of Canada)
Jayesh Brahmbhatt of the People’s Party of Canada was defeated by Liberal candidate Shafqat Ali in Brampton-Chinguacousy Park. Ali secured 48.7% of the vote, while Brahmbhatt was fourth. “Parties are now identifying Indians as an important community in politics, and sub-groups such as Gujaratis are making the most of this opportunity to be represented and be heard,” Brahmbhatt had said earlier, highlighting increasing representation of sub-groups such as Gujaratis.
Kamal Khera (Liberal Party)
Health Minister Kamal Khera lost her Brampton West seat to Conservative candidate Amarjeet Gill, who took the seat with 50% of the vote. Khera, who was born in Delhi and grew up in Canada, had been a member of Parliament since 2015.
Although the margin was thin, her campaign focused on public health and youth empowerment issues.
Shuv Majumdar (Conservative Party)
Conservative Shuv Majumdar won Calgary Heritage, taking 61.7% of the vote against Liberal opponent Scott Arnott’s 34.4%. Majumdar, who had experience working for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is well known for his foreign policy experience.
Elections matter. This one is the most consequential. This has never been about me, it’s always been about you.
This election is about defining the future of our nation – for generations. You have a big decision to make today, and in that, I wish you well.
Vote Conservative.… pic.twitter.com/q7O119TCV2
— Shuv Majumdar (@shuvmajumdar) April 28, 2025
An Indian immigrant parent himself, Majumdar’s national security background came in handy during his campaign.
Priti Obhrai Martin (Liberal Party)
In Calgary East, Liberal Party candidate Priti Obhrai Martin was defeated by Conservative candidate Jasraj Hallan. Hallan won with a strong 60.6% of the votes, while Martin garnered 31.4%. Daughter of Deepak Obhrai, the first Hindu MP in Canada, Martin joined politics with the intention of carrying forward her father’s legacy and strengthening representation in the community.
So I have some news, my Dad, @deepakobhrai was my greatest teacher in life. The greatest lesson he taught me was to stand tall behind what you believe, be involved, and build hope! Proud to stand beside @MarkJCarney @liberal_party #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/seC0jXvKIu
— Priti Obhrai-Martin (@electpriti) March 29, 2025
More than 65 Indian-origin candidates ran in the 2025 federal election, highlighting their increasing political prominence in Canada. Even with some setbacks, leaders such as Anand and Majumdar symbolize the growing impact of Indian-Canadians on national politics.
