Nepal PM's Remark On Influence Of Indian Businessman Creates Controversy Amidst Demands For Resignation

Nepal's Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, has caused controversy with his remarks about an Indian businessman, who had once tried to make him the premier of the country.

Reportedly, this has led to calls for Prachanda's resignation from the opposition in the Himalayan Nation.

During a book launch event titled 'Roads to the Valley: The Legacy of Sardar Pritam Singh in Nepal' on Monday (3 July), Prachanda during his speech acknowledged the significant role played by Sardar Pritam Singh, a pioneering trucking entrepreneur in Nepal, in strengthening the relations between Nepal and India.

He then revealed that Singh had made efforts in the past to help him become the prime minister.

The Nepalese PM further explained that Singh had traveled to Delhi multiple times and held numerous discussions with political leaders in Kathmandu in his pursuit to support Prachanda's candidacy for the prime ministerial position.

Prachanda stated that Singh has played a significant and historic role in strengthening the relationship between Nepal and India.

The remarks have sparked controversy and received criticism from various sources.

The Communist Party of Nepal-(Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML), the main Opposition party of the Himalayan Nation, disrupted the National Assembly meeting on Wednesday (5 July), demanding the resignation of the prime minister.

During the disruptions, members of the main opposition Communist CPN-UML and the RPP chanted slogans, expressing their belief that a prime minister appointed by New Delhi should not be allowed to remain in office.

KP Sharma Oli, Chairman of CPN-UML, expressed to the media on Wednesday that their objective is to obtain the prime minister's resignation, rather than seeking any clarification.

The former Prime Minister, Oli, has demanded the resignation of the Prachanda, stating that his remarks have greatly undermined national independence, dignity, the Constitution, and the parliament itself.

During a session in the lower house, UML lawmaker Raghuji Pant called for the prime minister's resignation based on moral grounds, emphasizing that they do not want a prime minister appointed by Delhi.

Notably, both the opposition and ruling parties have expressed their dissatisfaction with Prachanda's statement.

Nepal's top leaders have a history of attracting controversy due to their imprudent comments on sensitive topics like geopolitics, bilateral relations, and other national issues.

Later, the Prime Minister attempted to address the misinterpretation surrounding his controversial remarks about Sardar Pritam Singh, stating that it was being blown out of proportion.

During a training program organized by All Nepal National Independent Students Union in the capital on Wednesday, Prachanda clarified that his statement about Pritam Singh, made at the book launch of 'Roads to the Valley' by Kirandeep Sandhu, was a direct quote from the book itself. He expressed frustration over people attempting to create unnecessary uproar.

Ganesh Shah, the CPN-Maoist Party secretary, expressed that while he believed that the PM did not intend to indicate India's intervention in Nepal's internal politics, he emphasized the need for him to choose his words carefully, using political and diplomatic language when discussing sensitive issues.