President of the Bharatiya Janata Party
Calls on Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala

The President of the Bharatiya Janata Party Shri Rajnath Singh paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Nepal Shri Girija Prasad Koirala this morning. The BJP has always stood for close relation between India and Nepal and improving the age old cultural ties between the people of the two countries. Shri Rajnath Singh conveyed to the Nepalese Prime Minister the desire of the Party to promote these bonds further.

Shri Koirala aquatinted the Party President with the current political situation in Nepal. Shri Rajnath Singh expressed his concern about the recent changes in Nepal with particular reference to participation of Maoists in mainstream politics and role of monarch as a ceremonial entity. Mr. Singh said that the BJP was always in favour of the armed ones should now join the political process giving up the arms. He emphasised that the changes being contemplated in Nepal should not result in any dilution of the unique cultural identity of Nepal. Some anti-India forces which are intending to use Nepal as their platform should be discouraged.

In response, Shri Koirala said that Nepal was always secular in its approach and being a Hindu Kingdom never prevented Nepal from practicing a secular approach. Hindu values will continue to guide the people of Nepal. Shri Koirala also expressed that the bonds of friendship between India and Nepal are very strong and will be carried over even by the next generation.

The two leaders felt that contacts between the BJP and the Nepali Congress Party should be more frequent. This will enable the two parties to promote a better understanding and contribute further to the strengthening of relations between the two countries.
Shri Koirala expressed his confidence that the BJP as the principal opposition party will continue to lend support to Nepalese causes as it did during the time that if was in power.