Nepal Constitution: A Country at Crossroads!

Newsclick interviewed Srinivasan Ramani, Associate Editor of The Hindu, on the adoption of a new constitution by Nepal and its widespread opposition. Ramani extensively talked about the history of the Constituent Assembly involved in drafting the constitution, and the birth of democracy in Nepal. He explained the progressive nature of the Nepalese constitution which not only has rejected the idea of Hindu nation but has also propagated equal rights for the LGBTQ community and women. Ramani, in conversation with Rishab, also discussed about how Madhesis - who are opposing the constitution for not being inclusive in nature -, is a community which is the majority of the population, but actually has been neglected. He also talked about India's interference in Nepal's internal affairs and termed it as attack on the sovereignty of Nepal. But he also explained that being a neighboring country and the implicit nature of Nepal's economic dependence on India, New Delhi should have been more sensitive in expression of its views.