Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second visit to Nepal has become more than just about attending SAARC. On his first day here, he held meetings across the political spectrum about the country’s constitution drafting process, and advised them to go for a consensus. While his advice maybe valid, the Indian leader crossed the bounds of diplomatic norms by giving unsolicited advice on the country’s internal political and constitutional issues. Modi’s meddling has the potential to undo the goodwill his first visit in August generated for the improvement in bilateral relations between the two countries.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Trauma Centre in Kathmandu, which was built with Indian assistance, Modi said any other approach towards constitution writing would only lead Nepal to more turmoil. PM Sushil Koirala and CA Chair Subhas Nembang were present at the hospital handover program.
Even though the international community has been advising leaders to seek a consensus, Modi went a step further. By urging the government not to write a constitution based solely on numerical strength in the CA, Modi has dismissed the constitution writing process in Nepal’s interim constitution which specifically mentions two approaches towards constitution drafting: a) political consensus, and b) a majority vote process.
Modi also asked leaders to not delay promulgating the constitution any longer and to meet the 22 January deadline based on consensus reached so far. Changes can be made in future if necessary, he added. At a time when the NC and UML have been pressing for a majority vote in the CA, Modi’s words seem to be in favour of the opposition UCPN (Maoist) and Madhesi parties.