'Postponement of elections in
Nepal a concern for India'

BJP president Rajnath Singh on Friday expressed concern over the postponement of elections in Nepal saying the present Parliament in the neighbouring country has finished its term way back in October 2002 and since then the electoral process to form a Constituent Assembly was persistently being delayed. He also asked New Delhi to make clear its stand on Nepal, as any development in the neighbouring country was bound to have reflection on India.

"Now the elections of Constituent Assembly scheduled for November 22 have been postponed indefinitely under the Maoist pressure. The Assembly is a major part of the peace agreement under which the Seven Parties Alliance is running the Government," the BJP chief said.

He remarked the postponement of elections under the threat of street protest by the Maoists was a severe blow in establishing a democratic environment capable of reflecting people's will in a free and fare elections.

"The looming political uncertainty for long provides the opportunity for fundamentalist forces to further strengthen their control in Nepal. This should be a matter of concern for India," Rajnath remarked.

Now, he added, that the Maoists were forcing the interim Parliament for immediate abolishment of monarchy and since it was an integral part of the basic political and constitutional structure, any decision on this should not be taken by the interim Parliament.