India’s interest and concern vis a vis developments in Nepal is understandable. It has only increased in the recent past. That India’s new ambassador, Rakesh Sood, swung into action, meeting the prime minister and other key political actors even before he submitted his letter of credentials, is just one proof. But given the results of the constituent assembly polls, something India perhaps failed to anticipate, there is speculation over the policy it will be pursuing in Nepal.

Officially India has been saying it will accept whatever the Nepali people decide. But the Nepali people have not decided clearly, with no party acquiring a simple majority. Shyam Saran, perceived as India’s most authentic voice on Nepal, has suggested that it’s a mandate for the Maoists to lead a united government. But that is not the only voice coming from India’s officialdom.

The Communist Party of India-Maoists has asked its Nepali counterpart to use the mandate for a complete revolution instead of heading or being part of the government. But the constitutional impasse and tough attitude of the Nepali Congress (NC) and the Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) against joining the Maoist-led coalition is only making things worse. With the king relegated to a grey zone, and the prime minister usurping the role and powers of head of state, a neutral and impartial constitutional exercise to steer the country out of this impasse is yet to take off.

The interim constitution, a document of convenience for the three major parties, lays down only two criteria for the election of prime minister. First, by consensus, failing which a two-third majority will be required. The Maoists have 220 in a House of 601. Prachanda harps more on the ‘mandate’ and his right to form the government, and less on the need to work on a common agenda. He has also been promising a ‘respectable position’ to some senior citizens including G.P. Koirala and chamatkar or magic on many vexed issues — almost promising a problem-free Nepal. If that does not work, he has threatened that lakhs of people will capture Kathmandu and all the 75 district headquarters.

... contd.