Jagmeet Singh's New Democratic Party (NDP) takes a hit in the 2025 Canada elections
Pro-Khalistan leader, Jagmeet Singh, resigns in the wake of a significant defeat in Canada's elections
It was a tough night for the New Democratic Party (NDP) led by Jagmeet Singh, as they faced significant losses in the 2025 Canadian federal election. The Indo-Canadian leader himself lost his own riding of Burnaby Central in British Columbia.
Singh finished third in his constituency with less than 19 percent of the vote share, trailing both the Liberal Party's Wade Chang and the Conservative Party's James Yan. This defeating blow was not only a personal failure for Singh but also a devastating defeat for the NDP, who were on track to win just seven seats, a loss of 18 compared to the results of the 2021 federal election. This outcome could very well lead to the party losing their official party status in the House of Commons.
The NDP's support dropped by a significant 12 percentage points, down to just six percent in this federal election. Analyzing the elections' dynamics, we see that strategic voting patterns, reduced influence in a polarized political climate, and challenges tied to Singh's leadership played a role in the NDP's losses.
India-Canada diplomatic friction over Singh’s perceived Khalistan sympathies may have contributed to voter alienation, but the election's main themes centered on U.S. relations and economic nationalism. Frustration among grassroots voters over the NDP's diminished influence was palpable, with Singh expressing “disappointment” but emphasizing the party’s commitment to “hope over fear.”
The unexpected resurgence of the Liberals due to nationalist sentiment consolidated votes away from the NDP, making it challenging for the party to retain its base as left-leaning voters prioritized blocking Conservative gains. Singh's personal defeat, the decline to single-digit seats, and questioning his alliances with the Liberals contributed to the NDP's significant losses.
Standing alongside his wife, Gurkiran, Singh told NDP supporters in Burnaby late Monday night, "Obviously, this night is a disappointing night for New Democrats." But he assured them that the party was "not going anywhere."
The Sikh principle of chardi kala, “defiant optimism in the face of struggle,” was central to Singh’s speeches and beliefs. He entered politics in 2011, being elected to the Ontario provincial parliament, and then moving to the national stage. Singh faced criticism after becoming NDP leader, particularly over allegations of Khalistan sympathies, which subjected him to intense scrutiny from both the Canadian media and the Indian government.
Despite controversy, Singh acknowledged for the first time in March 2018 that Talwinder Singh Parmar was responsible for the 1985 terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182, the Kanishka. He also publicly condemned the glorification of Parmar, whose posters were displayed in some Canadian gurdwaras.
Multiple scandals—including attending a "sovereignty" rally in San Francisco in 2015 and participating in a panel in London hosted by a hardline group supporting Khalistan—piled pressure on Singh. Despite these controversies, Singh has remained an influential figure in Canadian politics due to his charisma and strong connection with his voter base.
- The New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, experienced a substantial setback in the 2025 Canadian federal elections, losing 18 seats compared to the 2021 results.
- Singh, the Indo-Canadian leader, lost his own riding of Burnaby Central with less than 19% of the vote share, placing third behind the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party.
- The NDP's support dropped by 12 percentage points, down to just 6%, potentially due to India-Canada diplomatic friction over Singh's perceived Khalistan sympathies.
- The Liberal Party's unexpected resurgence, consolidating votes away from the NDP, made it challenging for the party to retain its base as left-leaning voters prioritized blocking Conservative gains.
- Despite controversies such as attending a sovereignty rally in San Francisco in 2015 and participating in a panel in London hosted by a hardline group supporting Khalistan, Jagmeet Singh has remained an influential figure in Canadian politics due to his charisma and strong connection with his voter base.
- Singh, expressing "disappointment," assured NDP supporters that the party was "not going anywhere," emphasizing their commitment to "hope over fear."
