Kathmandu, May 15

The Nepalese Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay, who was recalled by the KP Sharma Oli-led government, today challenged the government to prove its allegations.

“I will quit public life if the government proves its allegations against me,” Upadhyay told mediapersons upon his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport amidst a large crowd of Nepali Congress cadres at the media centre.

Upadhyay’s media briefing was affected due to the large number of NC cadres making noises at the media centre.

Government ministers had reportedly alleged that former NC central committee member Upadhyay had helped in the plot to topple the UML-led government.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Bhim Rawal publicly alleged that Ambassador Upadhyay had supported the move to topple the government. “I have not breached decorum.

Rather, I have maintained discipline and did not even participate in the NC’s national general convention,” he said.

On the cancellation of the president’s India visit, Upadhyay said the government’s decision was abrupt when all the invitations for the functions, which the Nepali president was scheduled to attend were already distributed.

Asked how he would assess the latest Indo-Nepal relationship, Upadhyay said Nepal’s relation with India cannot be assessed in parts and should be seen in its entirety as it is a continuous process of engagement where there is no question of winning or defeating. He further said a few such incidents would not affect bilateral relations in the long run.

He said the misunderstandings should be resolved through discussion, instead to blaming others.

Upadhyay said he took the decision of the government to recall him as a normal process as the government has the right to call ambassadors it does not feel comfortable to work with.

He also claimed that he did his best to maintain good relations even in the most difficult moments when Nepal was facing economic blockade.

On the other issues regarding his recall, he said he would only talk after completing his meeting with government authorities, including the prime minister and foreign minister, among others.

Ambassador Upadhyay said he would decide on further plans as per the suggestions of his friends.