Kathmandu, Bhadra 26 – Metmani Chaudhary, Deputy General Secretary of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and a member of the House of Representatives, has asserted that India’s claims over Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani are valid. Speaking on the "Janata Janna Chahanchhan" program on Prime Times Television on Tuesday, hosted by journalist Rishi Dhamala, Chaudhary criticized past Nepali leadership, including former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, for misleading the public with the release of the "new map" of Nepal.

Chaudhary accused leaders like Oli of selling the Mahakali River to India in the past and now confusing the people by issuing a map that includes disputed territories. He questioned how many diplomatic notes Nepal sent to India after releasing the new map and highlighted India's subsequent claims over the Mahakali River. Chaudhary emphasized the significant role played by leaders of the then CPN-UML during the Mahakali Treaty, asserting that their decisions allowed India to make territorial claims over the disputed areas.

"After the Mahakali Treaty, India started claiming half of the river as its own. Leaders from CPN-UML played a big role in this treaty. Back then, they promised that everything would be fine, but today, they talk about the new map. They sold the river, and because of that, India is now claiming Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani. I believe India’s claim is valid and that they have the right to these territories. How can anyone deny it after selling it off?" Chaudhary remarked.

He further criticized the CPN-UML, accusing them of similar actions concerning the Koshi and Gandaki rivers, stating that selling national resources has long-term repercussions that cannot be undone by simply issuing a new map.

The interview has sparked significant controversy, especially in light of the ongoing territorial dispute between Nepal and India over the aforementioned regions.