India assures support to Nepal amid political turmoil

Amid the political turmoil in Nepal, India has assured support to Nepal and its people. MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that Nepal will take a final call on its internal matters according to its democratic processes.

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that India will continue to support Nepal and its people in moving forward on the path of peace, prosperity and development.

Addressing a virtual press briefing here on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, “We have noted recent political developments in Nepal. These are internal matters for Nepal to decide as per its democratic processes”.

"As a neighbour, India will continue to support Nepal and its people in moving forward on the path of peace and prosperity and development," he added.

The comment comes after Nepal’s premier KP Sharma Oli dissolved the Parliament, giving a new twist to the political scenario and thus, enraging the public and Oli's party insiders. Hundreds of people are protesting and denouncing the latest move and an early election as a constitutional coup.

Amid utmost political chaos, the ruling Nepal Communist Party’s Central Committee faction chose Madhav Kumar Nepal as its chairman on Wednesday. The decision was taken after separate central committee meetings. A total of 315 central committee members voted in favour of Madhav Kumar Nepal.

However, all eyes are on the decision of Nepal’s Supreme Court, the hearing of which has started on Wednesday. A total of 12 writ petitions have been filed in the apex court, claiming it to be unconstitutional.

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Many experts believe that such a drastic step by Oli was expected and that the appointment of Madhav Kumar Nepal will certainly calm the thaw in the relationship between India and Nepal.

Nepal has been caught in a bitter boundary dispute with India regarding the Kalapani region for more than a year now. The relationship soured after the Himalayan nation released a map which showed parts of India in Nepal’s territory. However, efforts are being made to put an end to the tussle between the two nations.

In the wake of the constitutional crisis, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma, while addressing the nation said that the talks with India have progressed to resolve the existing problem.

Asked about UK Prime Minister Borris Johnson scheduled visit to India in January especially after the new COVID-19 strain was drastically spreading in Britain, Srivastava said that British PM will be attending the Republic Day ceremonies at New Delhi. “We look forward to welcoming the British PM here”, he stated.

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