Nepal quits from the post of advisor to President after his controversial remarks over new map in Rs. 100 note

Chiranjivi Nepal, economic advisor to President Ram Chandra Paudel and also the former Government of Nepal Rastra Bank has resigned from his position after his remarks regarding the government decision to print one hundred rupee bank note with the new pointed map sparked controversy.

The President has approved his resignation on Sunday, according to the press release issued by the Office of the President.

Ex-governor Nepal had reportedly termed the government’s decision to print the new map on the note as ‘an inappropriate move’.

A Cabinet meeting had a week ago decided to replace the old map with the new one while printing new notes of 100 rupees. The new map includes territories such as Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, which have been claimed by both Nepal and India. CPN-UML chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had publicly criticized Nepal for making the remarks against the government’s ‘appropriate decision’.

“I have raised this serious issue to draw the public attention as it might cause practical problem to the people,” president’s advisor Nepal mentioned in his resignation letter, an aid to the president told PTI in condition of anonymity. 

“I have tendered my resignation from the post to maintain the dignity of the honourable President, as attempts were made to unnecessarily drag the president into controversy citing my statement,” he pointed out.

Nepal government had unveiled its new political map with the inclusion of Lipulek, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura areas within its territory in May 2020 during the government led by K.P. Oli. It was later endorsed by the Parliament unanimously. After that, the government has replaced the old map used in all the official documents with the new pointed map despite India’s objection.