Rajnath calls on Nepal PM

New Delhi, June 8 (UNI) BJP president Rajnath Singh today called on visiting Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and reiterated his party's support for improving relationship between the two countries.

During the meeting, the visiting Prime Minister apprised Mr Singh of the latest political situation in his country while the BJP leader expressed his party's concerns about the recent developments in Nepal resulting in the end of monarchy and the role of Maoists in mainstream polity without abdicating arms. The government should discourage anti-India forces from using Nepal as their platform, the BJP urged.

The BJP, Mr Singh affirmed, was for restoration of democracy where the King had a constitutional role and the new changes should not dilute the ''unique cultural identity'' of Nepal.

Mr Koirala in his response said Nepal was always secular in its approach because its tag as a Hindu kingdom did not prevent it from practicing secular approach. ''Hindu values continue to guide Nepal and the bonds of friendship between my country and India will be carried to next generations,'' he added.

The two leaders agreed that there should be party to party contact between the BJP and the Nepal Congress to enable promotion of better understanding between the two countries. He also said BJP's support for espousing the cause of Nepal was important as it was India's principal opposition party and also the also the leader of the NDA coalition.

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