A day after two MlAs from Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Amarjeet Singh Sandhoa — were denied entry by Canadian authorities and sending them back to India from Ottawa airport, the legislators on Monday clarified that a “communication gap” led to the situation.
Sandhwan said that the Canadian authorities denied entry in confusion whether our visit was personal or political.
“I along with my party colleague Ropar MlA Amarjeet Singh Sandhoa reached Ottawa airport in the afternoon and after getting clearance from immigration authority, we were questioned by the officers of Canada Border services. I was asked if the tour was personal or political visit as at the time of applying, I had termed it purely personal visit along with my family. During the questioning, I said that the visit is personal but if the party workers would invite them for talks, I will be going there as well,” he said.
Sandhwan said that the Canadian authorities then inquired about the programme of political activities but he replied that the same can be told as the meetings are not fixed yet.
He said that the authorities then accused him of hiding the details and even, after his repeated requests, they did not allow the MlAs to leave. “The authorities asked us to furnish details and apply visa afresh, and then they will be allowed to go,” said Sandhwan adding that then both of us returned to India.
Sandoa said that he was just asked why he did not take his family along with him as per the details filled in the initial visa form, “to which I politely replied that due to the ongoing schools of my children, I am unable to take them along”.
At the same time, he categorically said that nothing related to any case was asked by the Canadian authorities as reported in a section of media. “It is disheartening to see a section of media cooking stories without even confirmation,” he said adding that it was done to malign his and party's reputation.