The United Marxist Leninists’ Chairman Jhal Nath Khanal is heading to New Delhi, today, November 3, 2009 at the invitation of the government of India.
During his meeting with the Indian leadership in New Delhi, Mr. Khanal will primarily discuss issues related to the ongoing protests organized by the Unified Maoists party and the constitution drafting process, say reports.
Khanal will be accompanied by Arun Nepal, alternative politburo member of the United Marxist Leninists Party.
Reports quote UML sources as saying that Mr. Khanal while in New Delhi will meet the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh, Indian Congress Party Chairwoman Sonia Gandhi, Pranab Mukherjee-Finance Minister, S.M. Krishna- Foreign Minister, Defense Minister A.K. Anthony and P. Chidambaram-Home Minister and main opposition leader Mr. Lal Krishna Advani.
The India trip has been managed through the kind courtesy of Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli. Mr. Oli is considered as one of the trusted partners of the Indian establishment.
The UML source further discloses that the Mr. Khanal’s week long stay in New Delhi has been made as per the request of Mr. Oli.
Nepal’s top political figures such as Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba, Mr. Pahsupati Sumser Rana, Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli, Mrs. Bidya Bhandari, Mr. Upendra Yadav, Mr. J.P. Gupta have already visited New Delhi in the recent months.
Nepal Maoists’ Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has also expressed his keen desire to visit New Delhi in a meet with the Indian ambassador Mr. Rakesh Sood prior to his trip to China.
Khanal is scheduled to return home November 9, 2009.
No design to corner Maoists
Nepal: Cultivating Courageous Citizenship