Nepal's economic advisor resigns amidst controversy over Indian territories in map
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Kathmandu: Chiranjivi Nepal, the economic advisor to Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel, has resigned following his criticism of the government's decision to print new hundred-rupee notes featuring a map that includes disputed Indian territories.
Nepal's President approved the resignation on Sunday, according to a press release from the Office of the President.
The former governor of Nepal's central bank, Chiranjivi Nepal, reportedly described the decision to print the new map on the notes as 'an inappropriate move'.
A Cabinet meeting last week decided to replace the old map with the new one while printing new notes of ₹ 100. The new map includes territories such as Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, which are also claimed by India.
CPN-UML chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli publicly criticized Chiranjivi Nepal for his remarks.
"I have raised this serious issue to draw the public attention as it might cause practical problems to the people," Chiranjivi Nepal mentioned in his resignation letter.
“I have tendered my resignation from the post to maintain the dignity of the honourable President, as attempts were made to unnecessarily drag the president into controversy citing my statement,” Chiranjivi Nepal pointed out.
Earlier, a group of civil society leaders had demanded the removal of Chiranjivi Nepal over his remarks against the government's decision to print new hundred-rupee notes with the map of Nepal as per the amended Constitution.
Nepal's government unveiled its new political map in May 2020, including disputed areas like Lipulek, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura within its territory. India objected to this move, stating that the enlargement of claims was not based on historical facts or evidence.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jayashankar expressed discontent over the Nepal government's decision to issue the new notes, stating that it would not change the situation on the ground.
Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states – Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.