A recent gesture of cultural recognition in British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly has ignited a political controversy, following the public welcome of several Punjabi music artists — including the polarizing figure Jazzy B — by MLAs from both the BC Conservatives and the New Democratic Party (NDP).
The event unfolded on Tuesday when eight Members of the Legislative Assembly stood to introduce and praise visiting Punjabi performers. Among those recognized were singers Jazzy B, Sabi Gunnar, Inderpal Moga, Chani Nattan, Marco, and Mander.
Steve Kooner, a BC Conservative MLA with a personal connection to the Punjabi music scene, lauded Jazzy B during the session. “Jazzy B did sing part of my dad’s song about thirty years ago. I really appreciated that,” Kooner remarked, referencing his family’s musical heritage.
However, what began as a cultural celebration quickly escalated into a political flashpoint.
Accusations of Extremism
Social media lit up following the session, with critics denouncing the MLAs’ recognition of artists with controversial pasts. Independent MLA Dallas Brodie led the criticism, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Today several prominent pro-Khalistani figures were welcomed in the BC Legislature by MLAs of both the BC Conservatives and NDP. Some of those individuals have openly celebrated violent extremists and murderers in their music videos. This is an insult to our Legislature.”
Today several prominent pro-Kalistani figures were welcomed in the BC Legislature by MLAs of both the BC Conservatives and NDP. Some of those individuals have openly celebrated violent extremists and murderers in their music videos.
— Dallas Brodie (@Dallas_Brodie) May 27, 2025
This is an insult to our Legislature. https://t.co/4DMiOjG2jM
The core of the backlash centers on Jazzy B’s past statements and artistic output, which some claim glorify separatist ideologies tied to the Khalistan extremist movement.
Is this music video ok?
— Wyatt Claypool (@wyatt_claypool) May 28, 2025
He is glorifying terrorism.
I don’t care he used to be a normal guy. Kanye West also used to not be an insane anti-semite.
Jazzy B chose to delve into insane Khalistani politics. https://t.co/IRTDbd1GMl pic.twitter.com/IRdIL4a3Lo
While supporters viewed the welcome as a nod to Punjabi culture and its significant presence in British Columbia, critics argue it crosses a line into legitimizing figures accused of promoting extremism.
Diplomatic Undercurrents
The incident may have broader diplomatic implications. The Khalistan issue remains a thorny one in Canada-India relations, with the Indian government regularly expressing concern over perceived sympathies toward the movement among Sikh communities in Canada.
No official statement has been issued by the Indian consulate or federal government at the time of publication, but observers note the potential for fallout given the sensitivities involved.
As the debate continues, the provincial legislature finds itself at the center of a discussion about the boundaries between cultural recognition and political symbolism — and the fine line public officials must walk in a diverse and globally connected society.
