Indian priority in Nepal is preservation of its security interests

TGQ1: Do you Professor Baral think that the new constitution could well be drafted on the stipulated time frame?

You being a political analyst as well, please tell us the truth in the rumor that Nepali politics is being handled by India’s remote control? You have served in India as Nepali Ambassador and thus we wish to listen from you Professor?

Prof. Baral: Yes! The constitution could be drafted on time provided there is the will and honesty among the leaders of the political parties. And very unfortunately, they have remained entangled in petty political disputes. Forging consensus apparently is not in their agenda. Allegations and counter allegations have consumed much of the time. The government too appears to prolong its tenure by dilly-dallying the entire processes that demand urgent action and attention. Nevertheless, if some outlet could be found to all these ailments that have plagued the nation, the constitution could be drafted on time.

As regards to your supplementary question, the allegation is very closer to truth. If your own house is not in order, then others in the vicinity definitely wish to cash in upon from your internal weaknesses. Let’s not ignore this fact. We should have intensively dwelt upon how Nepal’s foreign policy should be at this juncture more so how to deal with the immediate neighbors. We should have thought of it in a new pragmatic way, however, the Nepali leaders appear reluctant in providing attention to these pressing facts and issues. The foreign interests in Nepal have increased due to the lack of our own leader’s failure in having assured the population back home of the prevalence of unstable politics. Definitely, foreign interest in Nepal has increased which is our own weakness. Moreover, our leaders conclude that the “foreign powers” would elevate them to power in Nepal. We don’t have development. We lack political stability. Our leaders fight over trifling political issues. In addition, we have the habit of seeking the blessings of foreign powers while in power structure which is not only unfortunate but a dangerous attitude.

TGQ2: So should this mean that our leaders are incompetent and thus they need foreign blessing every now and then? Its extension would be that the leaders engaged themselves in power game and sidelined the draft of the new constitution? Should we infer this from what you said Professor?

Prof. Baral: If we take them as incompetent ones than the fact is also that they have remained the pioneers of great many political changes in the past. They have sidelined the Rana oligarchy, the erstwhile Panchayat system and even made the Nepali Royal institution to pack. The republican order is in place because of their call. Having said these, I must admit that the people have been able to raise their voices and genuine concerns which must be taken in a positive note.

However, analyzing the present trends seen in the country’s political spectrum, it appears that the leaders’ exhibit lesser concerns in institutionalizing the present political gains but instead have kept themselves engaged in making or breaking of the governments. Suspicions become logical while reading the intentions of the Nepali leaders who should have kept themselves busy in drafting the new constitution for the country after the polls of the Constituent Assembly. The objective with which the last movement had been waged appears to have taken already a back seat. This gives some space to suspect that the Nepali leaders have been befooling the national population.

Even if the Constitution gets drafted, it needs to be institutionalized which demands political culture. Constitution becomes a meaningless document if our leaders deviate from political culture that is expected of them. I feel disheartened when I observe lack of political culture among the leaders which is a must in a democratic system. Loktantra-democracy is not a license for Vehicle closure, bunds and the likes. The culture of violence, terror and killing has increased of late in this country. No any such efforts have been made by the leaders or for that matter the government in curbing the criminal-politics or for drafting the constitution on time.

They at best are seen busy in arithmetical games for grabbing power.

TGQ3: You have observed the country’s politics from very close quarters while being in the teaching profession for several years. Don’t you at times feel frustrated observing the traits of the Nepalese leaders?  

Also tell us about how the Indian regime looks at Nepal? You studied in Jawaharlal Lal Nehru University, JNU, and obtained the doctoral degree from the same university. Is it that India looks at Nepal as is being widely talked and believed in Nepal? Your comments Professor Baral?

Prof. Baral: I am also a human being. I too become at times emotional/sentimental. We have such a nice population. The communal harmony is there. They-the people- have accepted and embraced such a great change in a beaming manner. However, had the leaders been sensitive and responsible, such a situation wouldn’t have come to the surface. At times I feel betrayed and frustrated.

We saw so many revolutionary changes and embraced it yet the leaders haven’t changed. I feel that whether this is the way of life in Nepal? We aren’t leaders. All we can do is to tell them. Be democratic. Exhibit democratic behavior. Provide relief to the suffering people and make the country stronger. Building of the nation and strengthening the element of nationalism are the duties of the leaders. They must become careful and responsible towards the people and the nation. If they do so then I am sure, Nepal will soon become a prosperous nation.

We are located in between two giant neighbors and they have accomplished miracles over the years. Any country would wish to become powerful and impose dictates upon others which are natural. Be it India, US or Japan, all wish the same.

India borders Nepal and thus the Indian priority, I presume, is pertaining to the preservation of its security interests in Nepal.

We are tied up with India on cultural, traditional, religious grounds. Given the situation, we must not get excited but instead keep our own house in order and then build friendly and amicable relations with immediate neighbors. The Nepalese leaders must understand this fact. The 1950 treaty is immaterial. Whether it remains or not will make no difference as such to Nepal-India relations. However, we must not ignore our “national interests” and then galvanize the internal forces and later conduct the foreign policy with India or any other country. But not in an excited manner.

TGQ4: Then how to understand the Indian penetration in Nepali politics which occurs every now and then? Also tell us how you take Nepali leader’s open invitation to India even on minor Nepalese issues? Your comments Prof. Baral.

Prof. Baral: If you provide space for penetration then it is inevitable. What should India do after all? Even on exclusive minor Nepali issues, our own leaders land in New Delhi which has by now become already a practice. Isn’t it the weakness of our own leaders? At the moment, the residential Ambassadors have begun dictating Nepal to do this or to do that.

This is all but happening because our own house is not in shape and order. It is thus illogical to shift the blame onto the heads of others.

TGQ5: It is being talked that the Maoist’s erratic behavior is impeding the constitution drafting process. You take it to be so and subscribe to the allegation? Your opinions please Professor.

Posted on : 2010-03-04 06:57:51

Comments (2)