Prove charges against me: Deepak Kumar Upadhyay, Nepal’s outgoing envoy

NEW DELHI: Nepal’s outgoing envoy Deepak Kumar Upadhyay has dared its country’s government to prove allegations against him on plotting with India to oust the KP Oli regime and hinted that he might return to politics in the Himalayan state.

Upadhyay, a former tourism minister of Nepal and MoS finance, voiced his grievances in the way he was removed from his post and accused his PM of being arrogant in his approach. “I have served my country’s interest since I was appointed Ambassador of Nepal to India last year. I dare the government in Kathmandu to prove the charges they have level led against me,” Upadhyay told ETin a free-wheeling chat days ahead of his return to Kathmandu.

Pointing out that he has promoted Indo-Nepal ties in the right spirit and earnest, Upadhyay noted that false and malicious allegations are spread against him. “There are allegations that I have travelled to the foothills of Nepal along with Indian envoy Ranjeet Rae to plot toppling the Oli government. This is baseless. I was scheduled to travel with my counterpart to promote a regional tourism event, but the scheduled programme did not happen.

“While I had informed my foreign ministry of my travel plans, I am also a former politician with a public standing and have no ulterior motives.” Upadhyay was a veteran leader of the Nepali Congress when he was chosen to head the embassy in Delhi. Upadhyay, who had made a mark in Delhi as a public diplomat during his one-year stint, also hinted that he might return to politics after returning to his country later this week.

“I am a political and social person and will consider a role in public life in the coming days.” Pointing out that just when the relationship was getting back to track after months of agitation in the Madhes region of Nepal, the decision to cancel President’s visit to India will be a setback to Indo-Nepal ties. Referring to PM Oli’s decision to cancel President Vidya Bhandari’s visit to Nepal, Upadhyay said, “After all, communists are a different lot...he had successful visit to Delhi last February.” Oli is the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal - UML.