Nepal’s peaceful elections historic, ready to work with new govt: PM Modi

New Delhi: The Rastriya Swatantra party led by 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah is set to win the Nepal polls with a landslide, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Warm congratulations to the people and government of Nepal for holding the elections smoothly and peacefully.“It feels heartening to see my Nepalese brothers and sisters exercising their democratic rights so vigorously,” Modi posted on X.

The prime minister did not mention Shah’s name as vote counting was still underway. Shah is likely to be the new leader, with his party RSP dominating the election. The election comes six months after violent protests by so-called “Generation Z” toppled Nepal’s government and left 77 people dead.“This historic milestone is a proud moment in Nepal’s democratic journey,” Modi posted on X.“As a close friend and neighbour, India remains firmly committed to working closely with the people of Nepal and their new government to reach new heights of mutual peace, progress and prosperity,” the Prime Minister added.A former mayor of Kathmandu, Shah has not revealed much about his foreign policy, other than to say it is likely driven by his “Nepal first” ultra-nationalism. He has portrayed himself as someone who will not succumb to foreign influence – unlike the established parties – when it comes to relations with countries including India, China and the United States.Shah lashed out at the three countries in a Facebook post last year that he later deleted. In 2023, Shah placed a “Greater Nepal” map in the mayor’s office showing Indian territory as part of Nepal, apparently to contrast with a mural in Parliament depicting the geography of ancient Asoka’s empire.Shah cultivated an image as an outsider who viewed all three major powers with equal skepticism (India, China and the United States) and believed in neutrality. His party insists it will pursue balanced relations with major powers.