The artwork depicting the Indian subcontinental landmass in the recently completed Parliament building has caused a significant uproar in Nepal. The artwork has sparked irate reactions from Nepali political officials across party lines because it has been perceived as a map of Akhand Bharat, or united India. India’s claims to control the area are indicated by the mural’s depiction of Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Lumbini is regarded by Nepal as one of the country’s principal cultural hubs.
‘Trust deficit’
“The controversial mural of ‘Akhand Bharat’ in the recently inaugurated new Parliament building of India may stoke unnecessary and harmful diplomatic row in the neighbourhood including Nepal. It has the potential of further aggravating the trust deficit already vitiating the bilateral relations between most of the immediate neighbours of India,” former Nepali Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said in a statement. The mural had drawn attention on May 28 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the new Parliament building and dedicated it to the nation. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi was among the first to describe the mural as “akhand Bharat”.
Even as Nepali Prime Minister Prachanda began his India tour and had official talks with Mr. Modi on Thursday, the matter broke out in the Nepalese media.Conflicts over maps
The controversy, which flared in November 2019 after India published a political map showing the Kalapani region as a part of Uttarakhand, has brought up memories of the Kalapani conflict once more. In response, Nepal had printed a map claiming ownership of Kalapani.
However, Mr. Modi and Mr. Prachanda declared that the disagreement will be settled amicably and through the recognised diplomatic channels.