India upset with Madheshis neglect in Nepal's new Constitution

NEW DELHI: Upset over the fact that Nepal's new Constitution, promulgated on Sunday, did not meet expectations of all sections of the Himalayan State, India expressed concern over violence in areas bordering Bihar as a fallout of dissatisfaction.

While Bihar was not mentioned in a statement issued by MEA on Sunday, the reference was clear. India is worried over situation in Madhes where Indian origin people reside and its spillover impact in poll-bound Bihar. Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar went with Prime Minister's message that new constitution of Nepal must meet aspirations of all sections of their society.

Throughout the process of Constitution making in Nepal, India has supported a federal, democratic, republican and inclusive Constitution. "We note the promulgation of a Constitution in Nepal today," MEA noted without directly endorsing the document.

"We are concerned that the situation in several parts of the country bordering India continues to be violent. Our Ambassador in Kathmandu has spoken to the PM of Nepal in this regard. We urge that issues on which there are differences should be resolved through dialogue in an atmosphere free from violence, and institutionalized in a manner that would enable broad-based ownership and acceptance," noted MEA making Delhi's dissatisfaction clear over document which doesn't ensure wide ranging political rights to Madhesis.

"This would lay the foundation of harmony, progress and development in Nepal," the government suggested as it extended best wishes to Nepal.