OTTAWA—In a surprising turn of events, Liberal MP Chandra Arya has been barred from running for re-election in the Nepean riding he has represented since 2015. The decision comes just days before Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to call a general election.
Arya announced on March 20, 2025, via social media that his candidacy for the upcoming federal election had been revoked by the Liberal Party of Canada. In his post, he shared a letter from national campaign co-chair Andrew Bevan. The letter stated that the party's eligibility review indicated new information that warranted the revocation of Arya's status as a candidate. However, it did not specify what this new information entailed.
“I have been informed by the Liberal Party that my nomination as the candidate for the upcoming federal election in Nepean has been revoked,” Arya wrote, expressing his disappointment. “While this news is deeply disappointing, it does not diminish the profound honour and privilege it has been to serve the people of Nepean — and all Canadians — as their Member of Parliament since 2015.”
Arya's position in the Liberal Party has been shaky of late. He was previously barred from participating in the leadership race to replace Justin Trudeau back in January 2025, a move that he felt raised “significant questions” about the legitimacy of both the leadership contest and potentially the next Prime Minister of Canada.
Parker Lund, a spokesperson for the Liberal Party, did not provide specific details about why Arya was disqualified from the leadership candidacy or the recent election candidacy, though he insisted the decision was made “in accordance with our national nomination rules.”
In the letter that informed Arya of his candidacy revocation, Bevan echoed that the decision reflected a careful review process, yet did not disclose the contents or context of the new information that led to this significant decision.
Arya, 62, has served as a staunch advocate against Khalistani activities in Canada—a position that put him at odds with influential factions within his party. This tension raises speculations regarding the motivations behind his recent disqualification. He has often stated, “Serving my community and country has been the greatest responsibility of my life, and I remain grateful for every moment of it.”
The implications of Arya's removal extend beyond his personal career. With a general election looming, a candidate will need to be nominated to represent the Liberal Party in Nepean, and the vacuum left by Arya's withdrawal could have consequences for the party’s electoral prospects. Conservatives, including party leader Pierre Poilievre, are eagerly looking to seize the opportunity. As Poilievre was seen making pre-campaign announcements in the Nepean riding just after the news broke, it signaled that the Conservatives are ready to capitalize on any unrest or dissatisfaction among voters.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to trigger the imminent election campaign, with polls potentially opening as early as April 28, 2025. As he prepares to lead the party into this election, questions loom about whether he will choose to run in Nepean or another riding. Carney does not currently hold a seat in Parliament, which adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding political narrative.
This unexpected revocation of Arya’s candidacy, and his previous disqualification from the leadership race, raises questions about transparency and accountability within the Liberal Party. The party's unwillingness to disclose details surrounding these decisions may lead to further scrutiny and unrest among its supporters.
Arya’s announcement coincides with a pivotal junction for the Liberal Party, as they aim to maintain their standing against a resurgent Conservative opposition. As voters prepare for the polls, the political landscape in Nepean and across the country seems increasingly fraught, with Arya's story emblematic of the tensions within the party and the challenges of leadership.
In a political climate driven by a robust electorate eager for representation, Arya’s absence in the upcoming elections marks not just an end of an era for him personally, but it also serves as a testament to the tumultuous nature of Canadian politics. How this will affect voter sentiment in Nepean remains to be seen, but the ramifications of this decision will likely echo beyond the upcoming election.
