New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has instructed all its leaders, including ministers, as well as social media handles to avoid commenting on the ongoing developments in Nepal.
The directions come a day after Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said that had Nepal been a part of India, there would have been peace and happiness in the country.
The directions say that “none of our Union Ministers, MPs, leaders, office bearers or spokespersons, social media handles mention or comment on Nepal developments. This is a strict instruction which needs to be followed,” a BJP leader told ThePrint.
It points out that clearance from BJP president J.P.Nadda is a must before making any such comment. Further, leaders and party functionaries were advised to take utmost care in border states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, as well as those from Delhi.
On Wednesday, Choudhary had courted controversy for his remark about Nepal. “All this is the Congress’ mistake. There is anarchy because the Congress has kept these countries separate. If Nepal had been a part of India today, there would have been peace and happiness in Nepal,” the Bihar deputy chief minister had said.
The directions, a BJP MP told ThePrint, are important as Nepal is a “sensitive” issue and irresponsible comments can have grave repercussions.
Nepal has witnessed protests over economic disparity and corruptions, ending in the resignation of K.P. Sharma Oli on Tuesday. Kathmandu is now under indefinite curfew.
In a statement, India has said that it is closely monitoring the developments in Nepal and is “deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives.” “As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue,” the statement added.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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