Speaking with reporters at Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival from India completing a week-long visit on Monday, he said to be fully satisfied with the outcome of his visit where he found enough goodwill and confidence of Indian leaders towards the situation in Nepal. Touching upon the neighbouring nation’s concerns on the intricacies of the new statute, the former prime minister said that India wants to see involvement of maximum stakeholders in the constitution writing process. “It is better to take into confidence all the parties and forces, and to have a broad-based consensus,” he added.

The senior NC leader also claimed that the 16-point agreement reached among the four political parties that laid the foundation of drafting the preliminary version of the constitution that is under consideration at the Political Dialogue and Consensus Committee of the Constituent Assembly could be amended if required. I found enormous goodwill on Nepal’s constitution. The Indian leadership would like to see a new constitution in Nepal as soon as possible, he said.

Deuba said that even though a section of the Indian leaders supported reinstating Nepal as a Hindu state, the official position of the Indian government was not as such.

When asked about whether India favours a constitution with delineation of the states before its promulgation, he said that India did not directly advise on anything particular but urged to take into confidence the disgruntled forces so that the constitution will not be opposed in future. “Personally, I also prefer promulgating the constitution with the delineation of states,” Deuba said.

The senior NC leader also out rightly rejected allegations against him that he visited India to become the next Prime Minister. “I visited India to seek the goodwill of their people and government, not for any post,” he said. “India wholeheartedly extended support after the April 25 earthquake, which was much needed. I also promoted investment and tourism opportunities in Nepal,” he added.

Stating that during the Suguali Treaty signed between Nepal and the then Indian government the boundary between the two countries was agreed to be the origin of Kali River, Deuba said, “So since Lipu-Lekh begins at the source of Kali River, I made it clear to the Indian leadership that Lipu-Lekh, Kalapani and Susta belongs to us.”

Responding to queries about his take on the upcoming General Convention of Nepali Congress, Deuba said:”Even though the local level elections have be deferred, the general assembly should be held on time.”