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Of late incumbent ministers, especially from the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum- Republic, have expressed anti-Nepal views. Minister of Information and Communication, Jaya Prakash Gupta threatened to break off Madhes's ties with the state. Similarly, Minister of Health and Population, Rajendra Mahato had threatened to seal off Kathmandu. When the parliament raised concerns over the statements, Members of the Madhesi Morcha announced that a 'civil war' had begun.
President Rambaran Yadav has reprimanded the ministers for speaking against national harmony and members of opposition parties have been demanding their resignation. But Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, has so far remained silent over the reckless behaviour of his ministers. If Bhattarai was sensitive about national integrity, he would have spoken publicly about this issue and asked the ministers for justifications.The PM's inaction raises serious doubts over the present government's stance on territorial unity. However, it could also be that the ministers made those statements simply to raise controversy and draw people's attention away from constitution writing.
If the views against national sovereignty were made intentionally, such ministers have no right to remain in office. And the Prime Minister should immediately demand clarifications from them so as to silence the critics and console the Nepali people.
