Melton council candidate Dilpreet Singh has defended photos of his son with firearms.
The photos shared on his Facebook profile, showing his toddler son holding firearms and ammunition have since been deleted, but Mr Singh told SBS Punjabi that the images have been "taken out of context".
Dilpreet Singh, a Justice of the Peace since 2010, said that he has never promoted violence in any form in his life.
“These photos were taken few years back in an Indian village after my grandfather insisted that he wants to see his grandson serving as an army personnel. The photos were taken to bring a smile on my grandfather's face," Dilpreet told SBS.
“It is dirty politics. It is very disappointing that my personal images have been used to drive a political agenda in a deliberate attempt to discredit me and my culture," Dilpreet told SBS Radio.
“It is outrageous to see these photos being posted in a different context and linked with terrorism.”
Dilpreet’s political opponents have criticized these images. Melton city council candidate Angela Scarpaci has told 7 News that she was deeply shocked and frightened to see these images.“It could have been a life threatening situation. The ammunition could have blown off. The gun could have gone off,” said Ms Scarpaci in a Seven News video.
"Sikhs are a warrior race. In our proud history, we have defended the poor and oppressed and have sacrificed our lives for the homeland," said Dilpreet, defending controversial images.
“Sikhs are taught to defend the defenceless and have historically led the weak and the oppressed sections of community.”
"Sikh regiment have won the highest Victoria Crosses per capita and fought in world wars, even along with Australian army while service with the British.” Singh told Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly.
"It is an insult to our traditions while we have countless examples of martyrs who lost lives to safeguard motherland.”
Victoria police said they had made inquiries into the images, but would not make any further comment at this time. However, it seems unlikely that it will be pursued as the photographs were taken in India.
