Several immediate challenges confront Nepal after the recent Constitutional Assembly elections and yet there are positive signs of Nepal emerging as a vibrant republic. This was the general consensus at a round-table discussion on "Emerging Political Situation in Nepal and Policy Options for India" organised by Observer Research Foundation on May 16, 2008.
Several immediate challenges confront Nepal after the recent Constitutional Assembly elections and yet there are positive signs of Nepal emerging as a vibrant republic. This was the general consensus at a round-table discussion on "Emerging Political Situation in Nepal and Policy Options for India" organised by Observer Research Foundation on May 16, 2008. One of the issues which former Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Mr Deb Mukharji, raised was about the possibility of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala refusing to step down, triggering a constitutional crisis as two-third majority would be needed to remove him. He, however, felt it was nothing but part of what was happening in Nepal, political bargaining. ``We might see Koirala as the President,`` he said.
Mr Mukharji said India’s approach to Nepal will have to be altered to match current realities. ``Our role has to be people centric rather than personalised and personality centric, as has been the case in the past,`` he believed. The Indian government should now deal with Nepal on a state-to-state basis with greater transparency. This will improve the relations between the two countries.
He said India had no problems in renewing the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty. But, India should go for a more comprehensive treaty on equal terms which should be transparent. This would put an end to the decade-old India bashing by Nepali politicians who equate Nepali nationalism with India bashing, he observed.
He felt that the Chinese would not play a pro-active role and would remain more as a close neighbour. The US, on the other hand, he said, was active and playing games behind the scenes, and wants to deny Maoists their legitimate right. This could, in the long run, be a reason for instability in Nepal, he said. Earlier welcoming the participants, Mr Vikram Sood, Vice President, Centre for International Affairs at ORF, said India’s neighbourhood was experiencing democratic transition. In his introductory remarks, he posed several pertinent questions on the evolving situation in Nepal and its impact on the bilateral relationship. Major General (Retd) Ashok K Mehta, well-known expert on Nepal, particularly Nepal Army, said the country was witnessing a reverse psychological warfare with the political parties using the pressure tactics adopted by the Maoists in the past. He said this phase was marked by bargaining or deal making and was part of the peace process. He was optimistic that despite several complications and difficulties the political parties will arrive at a consensus and find a solution to the prolonging crisis. He said the popular mandate was for the Maoists and they should the given chance to lead the government.
He said the issue of monarchy was yet to be resolved. Veteran CPI leader Mr D Raja said Nepal was undergoing a critical phase but the people of Nepal and political leaders would be able to come out victorious in their struggle against the monarchy. He said it was entirely for the people of Nepal to bring about changes according to their choice. The Nepali Congress and United Marxist Leninist, and other parties should play a constructive role in the government formation. He said India must take into account the new political situation in Nepal and should consider reviewing the bilateral treaty.
Mr Satish Chandra, former deputy National Security Advisor, spoke at length on the border management and infrastructure. He said a proper border management system should be in place without any more delay (various speakers pointed out inordinate delays in making changes despite several reports) and stressed on enhancing the border infrastructure. He said the infrastructure on the Indian side was much worse. In fact, he said roads and check-posts planned way back in 2001-02, with the approval from the government, were yet to be created. Other experts who spoke during the half-day long session also highlighted the need to review the Indo-Nepal treaty and maintain a cordial and equitable relationship with Nepal.
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