Baburam Bhattarai supports Rabi Lamichhane’s article on Nepal-India relations

Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has expressed his views on Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane’s visit to India and his article published in “The Hindustan Times”.

Sharing Lamichhane’s article from “The Hindustan Times” on social media, Dr. Bhattarai noted that the piece has stirred new waves in both Nepal and India, and he agrees with its sentiments.

Dr. Bhattarai remarked that while discussions on development partnership and the cultural ties of ‘roti-beti’ between Nepal and India are often celebrated, the serious realities behind the scenes are quite different.

Recalling the happiness in both countries during his tenure when the BIPPA agreement was signed despite strong opposition within his party, he commented that issues of strategic security and national sovereignty still cause internal discontent on both sides.

He pointed out that the Indian perspective of ‘everything around the Himalayas is mine’ in security matters, and the perpetual fear of ‘Sikkimization’ among Nepalis regarding national sovereignty, make the relationship between the two countries resemble the Greek myth of Sisyphus, eternally cursed.

To untangle this knot, Dr. Bhattarai stated that during his time as Prime Minister, he proposed the concept of a group of intellectuals with strong internal and external preparations, understanding the psychology of both countries. However, he expressed concern that the EPG report is currently languishing.

Expressing hope that RSP President Rabi Lamichhane’s recent visit to New Delhi might succeed in breaking these old diplomatic deadlocks, Dr. Bhattarai cautioned that the diplomatic ‘rumbles’ heard in both Kathmandu and Delhi are not particularly welcome.