Bengaluru: Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli opened the Pandora’s box of troubles the moment he decided to usurp Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura by amending Nepal’s map. 

Many speculate that Oli is dancing to the tunes of China. If that be true, he is only axing his leg as China has already usurped Nepal’s territory as well. 

 

A few days ago, Oli made another blunder. This statement was in relation to Ayodhya and Lord Ram. 

He said, “Real Ayodhya lies in Nepal, not in India. Lord Ram is Nepali not Indian. Although the real Ayodhya lies at Thori in the west of Birgunj, India have claimed the Indian site as the birthplace of Lord Ram.”

The statement angered everyone. From different political parties in India to many parties in Nepal, everyone condemned it. 

In fact, Nepal’s foreign ministry also jumped in and tried to undo the damage. 

It said, “The Prime Minister was simply highlighting the importance of further studies and research of the vast cultural geography the Ramayana represents to obtain facts about Shri Ram, Ramayana and the various places linked to this rich civilization.”
But things have not settled down even after this clarification. 

The Shiva Sena has hit out at the Nepal PM for his loose talks. 

 

It said, "Today, he has claimed Ayodhya and Lord Ram are Nepalese. Tomorrow, he will claim Babur also as being a Nepalese. Lord Ram belongs to the entire world, but the Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya belongs only to India. Had Lord Ram been in Nepal today, like he had killed Ravana and destroyed sins, he would have done the same thing in case of Hindudrohi (Hindu-treacherous) Oli.” 

Oli has certainly not done well to instigate India. 

A landlocked country that Nepal is, it is entirely dependent on India for the essentials.

A Nepali economist says: "Nepal is not only a landlocked country, but also India locked as it is surrounded by India from the three sides. The situation will be vulnerable. If India retaliates, it will have a huge economic impact on the country.”

On the importance of the relationship, he said, "Nepal-India relations should not be allowed to damage and there is a need for early negotiations and a dialogue to resolve the issue at the earliest".
It is certainly not wise on the part of Oli to keep needling India. India has been quiet and watching the developments keenly in Nepal. If India does decide to take a punitive measure, Nepal will have to run for cover.