Nepal goof-up: MEA seeks explanation from Intelligence Agencies

The overwhelming success of the Maoists in Nepal has put the Indian government in an embarrassing position. India has maintained strong relations with the Nepalese Royals and GP Koirala's Nepali Congress. Just days before the Constituent Assembly polls in Nepal, National Security Adviser MK Narayanan wished GP Koirala's Nepali Congress luck. However, after the turnaround in the polls, Indian government has lost the goodwill of the Maoists who are all set to assume charge in India's most trusted neighboring country.

The MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) is upset over the reports prepared by Intelligence Agencies, that predicted a clear win for the Nepali Congress and said Maoists would come third. The Maoists never acted against India's interest. That's why neither Prachanda nor Babu Ram Bhattarai made a public issue of the NSA's remarks. However, they conveyed their displeasure through diplomatic channels.

The MEA has sought an explanation from the Intelligence agencies on the goof-up, that embarrassed the Indian government. According to sources, the Intelligence agencies also misled Shankar Mukherjee, India's ambassador to Nepal. In a damage control move, the government is trying to re-open the diplomatic channels in order to secure the trust of the Maoists in Nepal.