India has suggested Nepal to go for local polls accommodating the aspirations of all sections of society in what appears to be a clear indication that the demands of Madhes-based parties must be addressed through constitution amendment. 

Indian Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh made such remark in their meeting on Wednesday with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi who is currently on a visit to New Delhi. 

Nidhi held one-on-one meetings with the Indian ministers on the contemporary political issues along with other bilateral matters. Nidhi, however, refused to divulge details of the meetings, saying that local polls and constitutional issues are the internal affairs of Nepal. 

According to sources, Nidhi informed the Indian side that efforts were underway to secure two-thirds majority to pass the constitution amendment bill through Parliament.  Speaking to the Post, Nidhi said formation of a high-powered commission to look after the demarcation could be a middle ground for all parties.  

Issuing a statement after the meeting, Indian Ministry of External Affairs said Nidhi mentioned about the development in Nepal. “Minister for External Affairs reiterated India’s support to the initiatives of the Government of Nepal, taking the constitutional implementation process forward through dialogue and meetings the aspirations of all sections of society,” the statement reads.

Also on Wednesday, India made an official position on the recent political development in Nepal without specifying the local elections and constitution amendment. At a weekly press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said as the closet neighbour, peace, stability and development of Nepal is a major concern for India. 

“It has been our consistent position that political leaders in Nepal could address the constitutional issues through dialogue and consultation with the participation of every section of society,” he said, adding that India has always been supportive for the peace and stability of Nepal. (PR)