Controversy and opposition have emerged in Nepal over the murals in the new Indian Parliament building. The murals depict certain parts of Nepal, which some lawmakers in Nepal find objectionable. They have urged Prime Minister Prachanda to address this issue during his upcoming visit to India. Prachanda has been invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a four-day official visit.
Prachanda and Modi are scheduled to meet at Hyderabad House on Thursday. They will engage in delegation-level talks, sign agreements, and remotely inaugurate projects. However, Maoist lawmakers have objected to the murals incorporating Nepali places like Kapilvastu, Lumbini, and Biratnagar in the Indian Parliament building. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has defended these murals.
Lawmakers argue that it is unfair and unacceptable to depict Nepali territory in the Indian Parliament. They expect Prachanda to raise and resolve this issue during his visit. Opposition party leader KP Oli has been particularly vocal about the need for the Prime Minister to take action.
Other political leaders, including former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, have expressed concerns about the mural. Bhattarai has warned that it could strain bilateral relations between India and neighboring countries, including Nepal. He urged Indian political leaders to clarify the intent and implications of the mural to avoid any diplomatic fallout.
Prachanda’s visit to India provides an opportunity to directly address the issue with Indian officials. Discussions are ongoing regarding the authenticity of the murals and their representation of Nepali territories. The controversy has sparked debates and raised questions about the portrayal of historical and cultural concepts in a political context.
The outcome of Prachanda’s discussions in India and the subsequent response from both countries will play a crucial role in resolving the controversy and determining its impact on bilateral relations.