Devil's Advocate: Prachanda on Indo-Nepal relations

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Keywords: Democracy, Maoists

Chairman of Nepal's Maoist party Prachanda speaks on the changes that will be brought about in Nepal after his party’s historical victory and its implication on Nepal’s relations with India. In an exclusive interview, Prachanda also speaks about the impact of Maoist victory on Maoists in India.

Karan Thapar: Mr Prachanda, because the Maoists are a relatively unknown entity, there are many people in India who are apprehensive about your coming to power. Can you understand their concern?

Prachanda: Yes, I think so because during the emergency, the kind of image and the propaganda that was there in the country was different. But we were always committed to multi-party competition and peace at that time. However, people did not know about our new political developments then.

Karan Thapar: So you are a prisoner of an image?

Prachanda: No not exactly.

Karan Thapar: But a little. People have a misunderstanding about your attitude.

Prachanda: That could be called a communication gap or something like that. Slowly and gradually, people understand our commitment to multi-party, peace and other things.

Karan Thapar: What sort of relations will you be looking at with India?

Prachanda: A new relation on a new basis. The new base has been laid down with the understanding from Delhi. A new unity with Delhi is already in process.

Karan Thapar: When you say a new relationship, do you mean a better relationship?

Prachanda: Exactly, a new relation means better relations, understanding and cooperation.

Karan Thapar: And closer to New Delhi?

Prachanda: Exactly. Yes, we want to come closer to New Delhi on the basis of new relations.

Karan Thapar: How does this equate to what you keep saying that you want equidistance from Delhi and from Beijing? To people in India this sounds as if you are demoting the relationship with India to the level of relationship with China.