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SURREY, B.C. — A man at the centre of a controversy over Sikh separatism that is hounding the prime minister says he has worked with politicians from a number of parties since he was released from prison for the attempted assassination of an Indian cabinet minister.

Jaspal Atwal said he has asked his social network in Surrey, B.C., to vote for different politicians because he supports what they are trying to achieve in his community.

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After working to rebuild his reputation following the 1986 attempt on the cabinet minister’s life, Atwal said he’s frustrated that some of those who have asked for help have turned on him in public.

“If I’m that dangerous, then why the hell are they calling me?” Atwal said in an interview with the Canadian Press on Saturday. He declined another interview on Monday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office has distanced itself from Atwal, saying he is not a “friend” of Trudeau, after Atwal was invited to a pair of events during Trudeau’s recent official visit to India.