Oli blames Indian media for doubts on future of ties
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s prime minister-in-waiting K P Sharma Oli on Sunday blamed a section of the Indian media for creating rift with reports of Indian government not cooperating with the Left alliance, which swept the recently-concluded federal and provincial elections.
In his first press conference since the victory, the leader of the Left Alliance urged critics to look into India’s official statement on the elections and to stop making false stories saying New Delhi will not cooperate with the new government.
Some elements are trying to create rift between India and the Left alliance, “the same elements are trying to stop foreign investment in Nepal, propping up the fear of communist regime,” the CPN-UML chairman said.
“India has already welcomed the elections, victory of left alliance and congratulated us. India also assured to support us but some Indian media are trying to create rift between us,” said Oli, who addressed the media along with alliance partner CPN (Maoist Center)’s chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘ Prachanda’.
The communists, who won majority in both federal and provincial parliaments, will form governments in the centre and in at least six out of seven provinces.
On December 14, external affairs ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar had said India welcomed the elections in Nepal.
“We congratulate the government and the people of Nepal. India has age old unique, time tested ties of friendship with the country. We look forward to working with the next democratically elected government in Nepal to advance our close and multifaceted partnership across all sectors and to support Nepal in its pursuit of peace, stability, economic prosperity and all round development,” Kumar had said.
While quoting the Indian statement, Oli said some people are running behind “foreign policy” and saying that India would pursue “policy of non-cooperation” to the incoming government. “We will pursue independent foreign policy and maintain good relations with neighbours,” he added.