"It is dangerous when nationalism is made the exclusive preserve of a particular political party or some individuals within the party," said Bhattarai while speaking at an interaction function at Darchula district headquarters Khalanga.[break]
Bhattarai argued that it is very "dangerous" when same leaders are branded as ´nationalists´ and others "anti-nationalists."
The Maoist Vice-chairman´s remarks come at a time when he is being projected as a "pro-Indian" by the party establishment and Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, his arch rival in the party, as a "true nationalist".
He also argued that the southern neighbor has dominated Nepal as the latter has become weak. "People across the border have made a lot of progress, but we remain poor," he said pointing out the need for economic development to be fully sovereign.
Dr Bhattarai during his speech stressed three things: 1) common views of all the parties on the utilization of national resources; 2) self-dependent national economy; 3) internal democracy.
He said that the political parties have not been able to forge common view on the national resources and settlement of border disputes.
Bhattarai urged the political parties here should seek to settle border disputes with India based on facts and figures without blowing up the issues. "We accept Nepal´s territory fixed in the Sugauli Treaty and don´t want more. And we have to protect that land," he said.
With the visit of Darchula and Baitadi, Dr Bhattarai completed the visit of all the 75 districts of Nepal. He visited Baitadi on Saturday and arrived in Khalanga on Sunday. He will return to Kathmandu on Tuesday.
Related story
Mainstream Nationalism vs. Regional Nationalism
