BJP leader Jolly expresses concerns over new Nepal map and religious conversions

Kathmandu, November 23 — Dr. Vijay Jolly, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleges that Nepal has intentionally created a border dispute.

Speaking at an interactive program on Hindu culture and Nepal-India relations organized by the National Unity Campaign on Saturday, he criticized Nepal for raising the issue and inserting areas like Lipulekh into the map.

He said, "I have visited 94 countries around the world, but I have never seen any country printing images of border disputes with neighboring countries on their currency." He added, "There is a border dispute between China and India as well, but no one has ever printed the disputed area on their currency. It saddens me that Nepal has done so."

Jolly also mentioned that such disputes could be resolved through dialogue, but there has been a lack of effort in that direction. He explained, "In any family, differences can arise, but they can be resolved through dialogue. What is needed is wisdom."

He further criticized Nepal's leadership for taking their complaint to the UN during the blockade, saying that bringing up issues that India had already resolved in the UN was unnecessary.

Regarding Nepal-India relations, Jolly emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is more than just familial ties, calling it extraordinary. He praised the presence of people from both countries living together in various parts of the world and having good relations.

Jolly stressed the importance of strengthening Nepal-India relations to maintain cultural unity, stating that both countries are equal. He also expressed concern about religious conversion activities in Nepal, stating that it was worrying even though there is a law against religious conversion. "Whether Nepal is a secular state or a Hindu state, the decision should be made by the people of Nepal, and no one should interfere in this," he said. "Therefore, the practice of religious conversion should be stopped."

Jolly has been in Nepal for a few days and has been meeting with leaders from various political parties.