Nepali leaders rush to Delhi ahead of elections

KATHMANDU: As Nepal prepares for the House of Representatives elections on March 5, political leaders have intensified their visits to Delhi.

Last week, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai traveled to the Indian capital, engaging in political meetings and helping bridge gaps between the Rastriya Swatantra Party and Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah. Bhattarai also participated in talks in Jawagal, Lalitpur.

On Sunday, Nepali Communist Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ flew to Delhi after a half-hour meeting with CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli. While in Delhi, Prachanda addressed the ‘Unity Message Assembly and Interaction Program’ organized for Nepali expatriates. He also held a private meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval of India for about an hour, though details of their discussion remain undisclosed.

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress leader and former Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba left for Delhi on Monday afternoon. It is expected that she will hold political meetings similar to Prachanda’s schedule.

The visits come as Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN explore possible bilateral or trilateral alliances ahead of the National Assembly elections on January 25 and the House elections on March 5. The race has gained urgency as the Rastriya Swatantra Party-led new political forces form a strong front against traditional parties.

National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal is also reported to be in Delhi. Prachanda is expected to return to Nepal after addressing the expatriate gathering.