Press Statement by Sh. Rajnath Singh,
BJP National President

BJP President Sh. Rajnath Singh today expressed his concern over the postponement of elections in Nepal. He said that the present parliament in Nepal has finished its term way back in October 2002. Since then the electoral process to form a constituent assembly is persistently delayed. Now the election of constituently assembly scheduled on 22nd November are postponed indefinitely under the Maoist pressure. The constituent assembly is a major part of the peace agreement under which the Seven Parties Alliance is running the government.

The postponement of elections under the threat of street protest by the Maoists is a sever blow in establishing a democratic environment capable of reflecting peoples 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.

Now the Maoists are forcing the interim Parliament for immediate abolishment of monarchy. Since, this was an integral part of the basic political and constitutional structure of Nepal, so any decision on this should not be taken by the interim parliament. Technically any such decision should only be taken by a properly elected constituent assembly. And in any case should not be forcefully taken under the threat of a violent street protest.

Nepal is our close neighbour with open border. If the democracy is not established in its true spirit in Nepal, then any development in Nepal is bound to have reflection on India. This should be a matter of concern for all the citizens of India. Therefore, I ask the government of India to make its stand clear on the recent political development in Nepal.

(Shyam Jaju)
Office Incharge