The President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari recently prorogued the Parliament after the Prime Minister Oli lost vote of confidence. Proroguing is to discontinue a session of parliament or legislative assembly.
What happened?
A vote of Confidence was placed at the Nepali Parliament. The parliament has 271 members. Oli secured 93 votes in favour and 124 against.
Recently, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) withdrew its support to the Government of Nepal. According to the party, Oli breached the constitution and is a threat to democracy in Nepal.
What is in it for India?
The bilateral relations between India and Nepal weakened under Oli’s leadership. Under his leadership, in May 2020, Nepal released a new political map that claimed Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh of Uttarakhand as a part of Nepal territory.
India-Nepal
India and Nepal have had strong ties since the signing of 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship. More than 80 lakh Nepalese live in India. India is one of the largest foreign remittance sources for Nepal.
Nepali Gorkhas are the most important regiment of Indian Army.
A custom prevails between India and Nepal under which, Indian Army chief is ceremonially conferred the title of honorary General of the Nepal Army.
Indian nationals do not need Visa to reach Nepal. Indian registered vehicles can stay in Nepal for thirty days. Indian rupees is widely accepted in Nepal.
Irritants
Nepalese always complain that India shows “Big Brother” attitude towards Nepal. Also, Nepal has accused India for its interventions in Nepal domestic politics. The earlier monarchs of Nepal such as King Gyanendra and King Mahendra tilted towards China to balance out India.
India raised concerns against omission of Madhesi in new constitution of Nepal. After the new constitution, Madhesi launched a six-month long blockade in India-Nepal border. This crippled Nepal economy. Nepal is highly dependent on India for its goods, especially oil. Being a land locked country, it highly relies on Kolkata port and Vizag ports for its shipment. Thus, closing its Indian border created heavy economic losses.
Important India-Nepal ties and irritants: