Canada's Liberal leader denies blocking Sikh tycoon's nomination

The leader of the Liberal Party of Canada has denied that a prominent Sikh businessman was forced out of the party's nomination race for a seat after a large group of Sikhs decided to quit the party alleging "manipulation" by the World Sikh Organisation (WSO).

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau said that Sikh businessman Barj Dhahan withdrew his bid to be the party's candidate for Vancouver-South willingly, CBC News reported Friday.

"Barj chose to withdraw from the race and I'm proud of the way the open nominations have been running," Trudeau was quoted as saying on CBC Vancouver's radio show The Early Edition.

Earlier this week, a large group of Sikh Liberals in British Columbia said they were giving up the party membership, saying Trudeau was being "manipulated" by the WSO as he chose Harjit Singh Sajjan to represent the party in Vancouver-South.

While many Sikhs alleged that Sajjan was backed by the WSO, the non-profit organisation said in a statement that it did not endorse parties or candidates.

Dhahan would not comment on the allegation that he was forced out of the race, but said he withdrew from the nomination process reluctantly.

Trudeau said he was not worried. "I wouldn't give too much credence to the people who are complaining very loudly."

Trudeau said Sajjan was a strong candidate to represent the party going forward.