Use of Indian vehicles in Nepal polls raises a row

The widespread use of Indian vehicles during campaigning for elections to Nepal's Constituent Assembly, particularly in southern plains areas close with Indian borders, has created a furore in the Himalayan country.

Despite directions by administration and district security officials against using vehicles with Indian number plates, candidates and political parties in Nepal, mostly those based in Madhes, have been using these.

Using Indian vehicles for election purpose is against the code of conduct.

To avoid any untoward incident, the Nawalparasai District Administrative office has asked parties and candidates not to use Indian vehicles but get temporary registration from security agencies.

"No one has lodged complaint against the use of Indian vehicles," Narahari Ghimire, district election officer of Nawalparasi district said. Demonstration of Indian vehicles during the poll campaign is a matter of prestige for many candidates in the southern plains of Nepal.

A Madhes-based party leader told IANS they hired Indian vehicles because these are cheaper than Nepali ones.

Others are using vehicles of relatives for campaigning.

In Kapilvastu district, two former ministers, Dan Bahadur Chaudary and Ishwor Dayal Mishra, were moving in Indian vehicles.

Later, the Kapilvastu district administration o ffice barred use of Indian vehicles and asked political parties and candidates not to violate the election code of conduct.

Under an agreement with India, border security agencies issue temporary permission to Indian vehicles and give them green number plates for use inside Nepal. Around 17 districts in the southern plains share direct border with India.

After the rampant use of Indian vehicles, the Bardiya administration office has put a ban on using Indian vehicles for election campaign.

Chief District Officer Man Bahadur BK said the ban would stay only for election-related activities as a security measure.

Vehicles with Indian number plates are otherwise free to carry tourists and goods, he said.

Due to the open border, it is easy and accessible to hire Indian vehicles in the Nepal-India border areas.