Chiranjivi Nepal, the economic advisor to Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel, has resigned following his controversial remarks regarding the government's decision to issue new hundred-rupee notes featuring a map that includes three Indian territories. His resignation was approved by the President.
Nepal stated that he made the remarks as an economist and former governor of the central bank, expressing concern over the potential practical problems such actions could create for the country. However, some media outlets misinterpreted his statements, leading to controversy and his subsequent resignation.
The new map on the hundred-rupee notes includes territories such as Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, which India claims as its own. Nepal clarified that his intention was merely to raise awareness among citizens about the potential consequences of such actions during ongoing diplomatic discussions about the disputed territories.
The decision to print the new notes was made during a Cabinet meeting, but it faced criticism from various quarters, including former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and civil society leaders, who argued that it went against national interests and breached decorum.
Nepal's government had unveiled a new political map in May 2020, including the disputed territories, which was later endorsed by Parliament. However, India objected to this move, stating that it was not based on historical facts and violated the understanding to hold talks on outstanding boundary issues.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed discontent over Nepal's decision to issue the new notes, emphasizing that it would not change the ground situation. Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states, making border issues between the two countries significant.
