“Koirala's death has complicated ongoing efforts for peace in Nepal”

With the death of the former Nepalese Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, India should move away from engaging with personalities in Kathmandu and reach out to the entire spectrum of Nepal's political parties including the Maoists, feel former diplomats and strategic analysts.

“GP's death has definitely complicated the ongoing effort to ensure peace and stability in Nepal. But it must be said two factors undermined his potential for contributing to the process. The first was his health and the second his autocratic leadership style. However, he still had the ability to cajole and persuade other leaders and even the Maoists,” observed the former envoy to Nepal, K.V. Rajan.

“Girija Babu stood as a solid rock between the Maoists and Madhav Nepal's fragile and ragtag coalition government. His departure may precipitate a serious crisis of survival for this government and, in turn, also improve the prospect of a national coalition, headed most likely by the Maoists, to emerge. There are people and forces, both within and outside Nepal, which do not prefer this and may resist it but such a coalition will re-energise Nepal's otherwise derailed peace process and bring it to its logical conclusion,” noted strategic analyst S.D. Muni.

“Nepal is at a crucial juncture. GP's presence would have been crucial and helpful especially when the NC [Nepali Congress] has de facto split into several factions and there is the possibility of no one leader emerging to keep the party together,” Mr. Rajan said.