Nepal Foreign Affairs (KATHMANDU, 25 September 2017) – Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Deep Kumar Upadhaya, is all set to resign from the ambassadorial post to contest parliamentary elections from Kapilbastu district, bordering with India.
Upadhaya had been reappointed Nepali Ambassador to India on 1 September 2016 by Puspa Kamal Dahal led cabinet, comprised of Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre. Just after one year of his reappointment to India, he has decided to return to active politics resigning from the post.
He was first appointed ambassador to India by Sushil Koirala government on political quota from the Nepali Congress. Upadhaya was central treasure of Nepali Congress and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation.
He was recalled by the Oli government over charges of non-cooperation and indulging in anti-government activities. Upadhyay was serving as Nepal’s ambassador to India since April 2015. As an ambassador, Upadhyay, should have followed the directives of the government but he was evidently involved in activities against the policy of the government.
”Envoys should follow government’s directives and maintain diplomatic decorum but Upadhyay could not obey the government” MoFA officials had said when the decision to recall was taken.
Besides he was accused of breaching his jurisdiction without informing the government and visiting some western Nepal districts accompanying Inida’s ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae. Similarly, the role of the ambassador Upadhaya was in controversy as the blockade was imposed to Nepal by India expressing discontent on the constitution promulgated by the 92 percent of Constituent Assembly.
It is said that ambassador Upadhyay has been assured by some Indian politicians and officials to support in election. During his stay in New Delhi, he has built good rapport with the senior leaders of ruling BJP and senior officials of the South Block.
”He was encouraged to contest election from his home district by Indian friends, may be they have seen potentiality on him long term working with India” said an official based on New Delhi.