In a surprising turn of events, Nepean Member of Parliament Chandra Arya has been disqualified from seeking re-election in the federal riding he has represented since 2015. This decision comes as the Liberal Party conducts a retrospective review of candidates in preparation for the upcoming elections.

Arya expressed his disappointment over the news through a heartfelt message on social media. "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," he stated.

The Liberal Party of Canada sent Arya a letter indicating their decision to revoke his candidacy, citing a thorough review process that involved "new information." However, the specifics of this new information remain undisclosed. When approached for clarification, Liberal Party spokesperson Parker Lund maintained that the decision was made in accordance with party rules, without elaborating on the reasoning behind Arya's removal. He did confirm that the nomination process for Arya's successor would proceed following the guidelines laid out in the party’s 25-page rulebook on candidate selection.

As of Friday morning, Arya’s official Liberal Party webpage has been taken offline, suggesting a swift and decisive break from his candidacy. Arya has been a notable backbench MP, actively advocating for issues pertinent to his constituents and demonstrating a commitment to public service, even amid challenges and criticisms. He noted, "Over the years, I have poured my heart and soul into this role... I am immensely proud of the work I have done as a parliamentarian, the unwavering service I have provided to the residents of Nepean..."

Interestingly, Arya also recently attempted to enter the race for the Liberal leadership following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation in January. Unfortunately for him, he was again barred from competing. At that time, the Liberal Party cited regulations that allow for disqualification based on concerns of being "manifestly unfit" for leadership due to various factors, including public statements or potential legal issues.

As Canadians gear up for an election, Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce a federal vote on March 23, with polling possibly taking place as early as April 28. The dynamics of the Nepean riding and the Conservative opposition will be critical topics as the electoral landscape begins to shift.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops—what could this mean for the future of the Liberal Party and the Nepean riding?