Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai returned to Kathmandu on Wednesday after visiting Mumbai and Delhi.

He gave a guest lecture at IIT Bombay's 'Techfest' in Mumbai and shared his views on the latest political developments in Nepal at a discussion program organized by former Indian ambassadors in Delhi. In Delhi, he also had informal talks with high-ranking Indian officials.

Bhattarai said that he had received information from Indian officials during the formal/informal meeting that Nepal should hold elections on time. Ganga BC of Kantipur talked about the essence of his meeting during his visit to India:

What was the purpose of your visit to India this time?

My visit to India this time was more formal and technical in nature. IIT Bombay's Tech Festival, which is of international importance, usually attracts quite distinguished personalities. I had gone there for my lecture. It was said that we should have a discussion among those who were interested. There was a good discussion on that too.

Now, in essence, I understand that the process of democratization in Nepal started a little late and has progressed with ups and downs. The situation that emerged when the last Genji rebellion came. He (the former ambassador of India, professor) was also a little worried and worried. What happened? Is there a threat to democracy or not? What is the role of internal and external forces? I was also interested in the issue.

What I have been saying is that basically our democratization has been slow and has not been able to take good root. When the development of economic and social structures was not fast, there was dissatisfaction among the youth. The Genji rebellion is the main reason. The rebellion of the youth is justified. Our institutions have become weak because we have not been able to address the concerns and issues of the youth. The political situation is in a fluid state while the political party leadership is somewhat fragmented. Nevertheless, the election date has been announced. He said that the right option now is to hold early elections and bring democracy back on track. They (former ambassadors and professors of India) were curious and concerned about whether democracy is in danger or not? How much is this geopolitical maneuvering increasing? Can it increase or not? There were questions like that. As far as I understood, I tried to calm and clarify those questions.

Who did you discuss with during your visit to India?

Ambassadors, former ambassadors, professors, leaders of various political parties and youth were present at the program. Many former ambassadors were present. Former ambassador Jayant Prasad was the main speaker.

What is the understanding in India about whether or not the elections will be held on the announced date in Nepal?

The anger that has been shown towards political parties. That is whether or not political parties will participate in the elections. There are some weaknesses in our institutions. Everyone had to participate in the preparations for the elections. All organs of the state should be mobilized in an integrated manner for free and fair elections. While politics is one aspect for elections, the strength of the state is another. There is a lot of interest in whether or not they can be free and fair on time. I emphasized that the elections can and should be held on the scheduled date. We are holding the elections on the scheduled date. We are trying. I said that the goodwill of the entire international community is needed.

Did you also meet with high-ranking Indian officials during your visit to Delhi?

I did not meet formally in that way. There were informal general conversations . Time was also short .

Did you hear that the Indian officials also wanted the elections to be held on time ?

Yes . Everyone wants the elections . There is a concern that the elections will not be held . They want the elections of them (Indian officials) to be held and we will provide full support .

In your opinion, do you think the elections will be held on the appointed time ?

Elections must be held . There is no alternative to elections . Democracy is institutionalized only through elections . Therefore, it is appropriate for everyone to participate and go to the elections on the announced date . Yes, there are many challenges . We all have to face those challenges together .

You are saying that alternative political forces should stand together . Have there been any such conversations ?

I am now in a parental role, not in the leadership of the party . I am trying to bring new alternative, progressive forces together. In a multi-party democracy, it is customary to register parties and prepare in your own way. However, there is still the possibility of collaborating in various ways, coordinating elections, and uniting those who agree. The conversation is ongoing. I am giving advice to my friends about this.