It is surprising that the present turmoil in Nepal has been triggered by India attacking the new Nepal Constitution officially adopted on Sep 20. The Constitution should have been welcomed by Delhi as it had been long time coming. Without it Nepal could not have achieved political stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to Nepal had in the past endeared himself to all parties in that country, even the Maoists. But his remarks about the Constitution have made him so unpopular that youth burnt his epigies in Bhaktapur. India’s concern about the Madhesis may be legitimate but it should not have caused bitterness between Delhi and Kathmandu. There are several political bodies in Nepal itself which are fighting for the Madhesis. Former Maoist Prime Minister, Baburam Bhattarai resined from the Maoist party saying that injustice had been done to the Madhesis which needed to be redressed. Vice President, Paramananda Jha also issued a statement accusing the state of discriminating against the Madhesis. In view of it, Modi’s remarks about the Constitution need not have been made.
Meanwhile agitation has mounted in Nepal.Madhes continue to drop the border with India impacting rise in the Kathmandu valley and the interland. With supplies running low, youth cadres of major political parties are sweeping up as the India sentiment. All Indian TV channels have been taken off air and moves are afoot to stop screening of hindi films. Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae said that there was no blockade by India nor was India against Nepal’s Constitution but such statement carries little convictions with angry Nepalis. On his return from the UN, Narendra Modi will have to go for all kinds of damage-control measures or his neighbourhood policy will be in tatters.
