KATHMANDU, Nov 26: The itinerary of the chief minister of Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, has been changed amid a section of politicians questioning his visit over his controversial background.
Government officials said although Chief Minister Yogi will participate in the Vivaha Panchami function in Janakpur, he will not inaugurate the Jayanagar-Janakpur-Kurtha railway as reported earlier. This comes in the wake of a section of political leaders mainly those from the main opposition party, Nepali Congress, demanding that the railway project should be inaugurated at the level of central governments of both the sides.
Wedding procession arrives Janakpurdham for Vivaha Panchami
Indian embassy spokesman Abhishek Dubey confirmed that Chief Minister Yogi will not inaugurate the railway. “Prime Minister KP Oli had extended invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since Prime Minister Modi is busy with other programs, he is sending Chief Minister Yogi as his representative. Chief Minister Yogi is visiting Janakpur in official capacity,” Dubey told Republica.
Dubey also said that Chief Minister Yogi will only attend the Vivaha Panchami ceremony on the premises of the Janaki Temple in Janakpur. “There is no program to inaugurate the railway,” he further said.
Earlier, the main opposition party, NC, including its Vice-president Bimalendra Nidhi had sought clarification from the government on whether the government was inviting someone who advocates Hindu kingdom. He had also demanded that the railway project also be inaugurated at the level of the central government.
“My position has always been clear that the government and parliament of a secular country should not engage in any activities that promote any particular religion. I am hearing that the government is also co-hosting a conference that also seeks to promote some religion. It is against the spirit of constitution to co-host any such program,” NC Vice President Nidhi told Republica.
