Karnataka-born Chandra Arya announces bid to be next Canadian PM after Justin Trudeau's exit
India-born Canadian MP Chandra Arya on Thursday announced his intention to run for the prime minister's post, days after Justin Trudeau decided to quit the position amid growing dissent against him in the Liberal Party.
Trudeau will serve as a caretaker PM of Canada until his successor is chosen.
In a video posted on his X handle, Arya, who was born in the south Indian state of Karnataka, said: "I am running to be the next Prime Minister of Canada to lead a small, more efficient government to rebuild our nation and secure prosperity for future generations."
I am running to be the next Prime Minister of Canada to lead a small, more efficient government to rebuild our nation and secure prosperity for future generations.
— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) January 9, 2025
We are facing significant structural problems that haven’t been seen for generations and solving them will require… pic.twitter.com/GJjJ1Y2oI5
"We are facing significant structural problems that haven’t been seen for generations and solving them will require tough choices," he said.
Arya, who is one of the strongest voices against Khalistani extremism in the country, said: " I have always worked hard for what is best for Canadians, and for the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must make bold decisions that are absolutely necessary."
Sharing his vision, the Canadian politician said: "If elected as the next Leader of the Liberal Party I offer my knowledge and expertise to do so."
In 2006, Arya immigrated to Canada.
Amid the Justin Trudeau wave that grew strong around nine years ago, Arya was first elected to the Canadian House of Commons in 2015.
The Liberal Party had won the majority of the seats in the polls.
In his X post, Arya said Canada deserves leadership that is not afraid to make 'big decisions'.
"Decisions that rebuild our economy, restore hope, create equal opportunities for all Canadians, and secure prosperity for our children and grandchildren. Bold political decisions are not optional—they are necessary," he said.
Anita Anand factor
Several Canadian media reports have claimed another Indian-origin leader Anita Anand, currently the Minister of Transport in Justin Trudeau's government, is also in the race to replace him as the Prime Minister.
Besides Anand, others running in the race for the post are Dominic LeBlanc, Chrystia Freeland, Melanie Joly, Francois-Philippe Champagne, and Mark Carney.
