India on Tuesday again hit out at Canada over a parade by Ontario Gurdwara Committee that raised separatist slogans and floats, including an offensive one against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging Ottawa to “stop providing criminal and secessionist elements a safe haven”.

The latest reminder comes barely a week after New Delhi summoned Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner over the Khalistan slogans raised at an event attended by their Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“Celebration and glorification of violence should not be a part of any civilized society. Democratic countries which respect the rule of law should not allow intimidation by radical elements in the name of freedom of expression.

“We continue to remain concerned about the security of our diplomatic representatives in Canada and expect the Government of Canada to ensure that they are able to carry out their responsibilities without fear,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

Inflammatory speeches were delivered by Dal Khalsa’s Paramjit Mand and Avtar Singh Pannu, declared a terrorist by the Indian security agencies, at the six-km Nagar Kirtan organised at Malton in Canada on Sunday. One of the floats displayed a map of Khalistan.

“As you are aware, we have repeatedly raised our strong concerns regarding the violent imagery being used by extremist elements in Canada against our political leadership. Last year, a float depicting the assassination of our former Prime Minister was used in a procession,” said the Ministry.

“We again call upon the Government of Canada to stop providing criminal and secessionist elements a safe haven and political space in Canada,” the statement said further.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today gave a cryptic message amid a potential crisis in the BJP government after three independent MLAs announced they have withdrawn support to the BJP government.

The three MLAs – Sombir Sangwan, Randhir Gollen and Dharampal Gonder – claimed the Haryana government is in a minority now and the state elections should be held soon. They said they will support the Congress in the election.

Mr Saini, however, dismissed the situation as nothing alarming.

“When I heard about it, I knew that moment the Congress is trying to fulfil their wishes. Everyone has a wish,” Mr Saini said.

“But the people know. They know the Congress has got nothing to do with the wishes of people, but only with fulfilling their personal wishes,” he said.

The Chief Minister did not explain how the BJP plans to counter this new threat.

Congress leader and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the BJP has no right to continue in power in Haryana as the government is in minority now.

“Keeping in mind the sentiments of the public, the MLAs supported the Congress, thanks to all the three independents,” Mr Hooda told reporters.

“Along with the public, those who voted and supported BJP are unhappy with this government. The BJP should immediately dissolve the government and face the assembly elections,” the Congress leader said.

The three independent MLAs made the announcement at a press conference ion Rohtak in Mr Hooda and state Congress chief Udai Bhan’s presence.

“We have taken this decision on various issues including those related to farmers,” Mr Gonder said.

The state Congress chief said the present strength of the 90-member assembly is 88, of which the BJP has 40 members. “The BJP government earlier had the support of JJP MLAs and independents, but the JJP had also withdrawn support and now independents are leaving,” Mr Bhan said.

“Nayab Singh Saini government is now a minority government. He should resign as he does not have the right to stay even for a minute,” Mr Bhan said.

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