Delhi backs Nepal parties’ agenda

‘‘India will support all efforts aimed at restoring political stability and economic prosperity in Nepal,’’ the MEA spokesperson said in response to the common agenda launched by the political parties.

New Delhi has been urging the parties to bridge their differences and provide an united front to deal with the political crisis in Nepal.

The programme was announced by seven political parties: Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal-UML, Nepali Congress (Democratic), Nepal Sadbhavana Party (A), People’s Front of Nepal, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party and United Left Front.

These parties have opposed India’s decision to partially resume military supplies. South Block officials maintain supplies will be given on an ‘‘incremental’’ basis which means the King has to take more steps towards restoring democracy if aid has to be fully restored.

The parties, however, feel that there has been no change on the ground for India to resume any sort of aid and such a decision will only provide legitimacy to the King’s action.

Announcing their programme, political parties have rejected claims by the Nepal administration that the first 100 days under the King’s rule were ‘‘remarkable’’. The parties said that the period instead was one of ‘‘total failure with record human rights violations’’.

‘‘Together, the seven political parties represent about 95 pc of the erstwhile Pratinidhi Sabha of Nepal,’’ said the MEA spokesperson. The common programme, he said, underlined the key goals of restoration of democracy and ending the violent conflict in Nepal. ‘‘It presents a road map with detailed steps required to attain these objectives.’’

The parties have also decided to intensify their agitation against the King and reaffirm their call for restoration of democracy in Nepal. They have, however, rejected an offer from the Maoists for a joint alliance to take on the King.