President’s visit

The Himalayan Times

20 April 2017

President’s visit

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari began her five-day state visit to India on the invitation of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee (“President begins India visit” April 18, Page 1). Her earlier visit was postponed at the eleventh hour due to unfavourable political environment in Nepal. This state visit is seen by the political experts as an important event in the continuation of high level engagement between the political leaderships of the two countries and will contribute to further consolidate close and friendly relations that exist between Nepal and India.

Anyway, it is hoped that her state visit will help in removing any political misunderstanding between the political leaders of the two countries. This visit has taken place at a time when the ruling parties and UML-led opposition parties are trying to hold the local level election on 14 May. On the other hand, the UDMF is set to thwart the elections, if the constitution is not amended as per its demands. Even the recent amendment bill put forward by the government has been flatly rejected by the Madhesi parties. The Indian government continues to suggest that the Madhes based parties should also be brought on board to participate in the elections. It was not known why the ruling parties did not consult with the agitating parties and get their consent before registering the recent amendment bill.

Time is running fast for the ruling parties to hold the local level election on the scheduled date. Looking closely at the ongoing political situation, it does not seem that the local level elections will be held peacefully.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharjgunj, Kathmandu