Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, the new Prime Minister of Nepal, may not be India’s cup of tea. He is seen as pro-China and against claims for greater freedom for the Madhesis, Tharus and Janajatis. He is given to inflammatory rhetoric. Oli began as an extreme Maoist and is a strict secularist. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not expect such a development. But New Delhi has to welcome Oli’s rise to power as Modi has already done. Delhi has no say in the matter. Nepal’s new Constitution has to deal with the grievances of the people of the plains against the hill elite. Oli has assured the Madhesis that he will address their concerns through Constitutional amendments. India should wait and see.Oli said he was aware that”people see me an illiberal hardliner and anti-Madhesi. But I will show what I am by my actions.”
Delhi has already roiled waters by taking a big brotherly attitude. It has of course reason to be apprehensive about a growing Chinese presence in Nepal. Chinese economic power is one of the defining realities of the present world. Diplomacy is the answer to the threat and does not mean coercion which creates only ill-will. On the contrary, India should face the challenge by strengthening ties with Kathmandu, with the Nepalis working in India. Modi has done well to invite Oli to India. A warm welcome to him alone can reduce tensions.
