KATHMANDU, MAY 9
Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain has strongly criticized Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSW) Vice President Swarnim Wagle for raising the issue of the removal of Indian military checkposts from the Nepal–China border in Parliament, questioning his political judgment and diplomatic maturity.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bajgain said, Wagle-who presents himself as a technocrat- made remarks during Thursday's parliamentary session that appeared to be "an unnecessary provocation directed toward a key strategic partner, India," especially at a time when the Indian Army is actively engaged along its borders.
"Wagle should know that diplomacy is not about flashy speeches or theatrics-it demands prudence, strategy, and timing," Bajgain wrote, suggesting that the lawmaker's comments could damage Nepal's foreign policy interests.
He also took aim at Wagle's call to revive SAARC, describing the regional body as "ineffective and inactive," and argued that "mutual trust among SAARC nations remains elusive."
Bajgain also criticized Wagle's frequent references to past roles and achievements,that he proposed the slogan of the 18th SAARC Summit and that he authored the policy and manifesto of a Nepali Congress government, stating that it may serve his personal ego, but contribute little to Nepal's foreign policy discourse.
"It was unfortunate that a figure like Swarnim Wagle was appointed to the National Planning Commission by Sher Bahadur Deuba. Worse still, he was given a platform at prestigious international forums like the Raisina Dialogue-platforms where Nepal needs voices of wisdom, national interest, and maturity, not individuals preoccupied with self-promotion, he further wrote.
