India on Sunday voiced support for Nepal’s decision to hold general elections amid political instability, as National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, popularly known as Prachanda, in New Delhi.
The meeting, held over dinner on January 4, focused on the need for early elections as Nepal prepares to go to the polls on March 5. Officials familiar with the discussions said Doval emphasised that elections were essential to restoring political stability and safeguarding Nepal’s democratic system.
Doval hosted Prachanda, leader of the Nepal Communist Party, at a New Delhi hotel. The interaction came against the backdrop of political uncertainty in Nepal following the collapse of the KP Sharma Oli government after last year’s ‘Gen Z’ protests.
According to sources, Doval underlined that Nepal had already announced its election schedule and that moving forward with the polls was the most effective way to break the current political deadlock. He conveyed India’s view that a democratic mandate through the ballot box remains the strongest foundation for long-term stability.
India’s position, the sources said, was that the elections are not merely a constitutional formality but a necessary step to protect Nepal’s democratic institutions. Doval also conveyed India’s interest in a stable and democratic Nepal.
Prachanda assured Doval that there was broad political agreement within Nepal on holding elections. He said major political parties were not opposed to the polls, the sources added. He also told Doval that ahead of his visit to New Delhi, he had consulted key political leaders, including CPN-UML chairperson and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, reflecting efforts to build domestic consensus on the electoral process.
Prachanda was accompanied by his daughter, Ganga, during the meeting.
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