Kalapani Border Dispute Re-emerges as Pivotal Campaign Issue in Nepal's Parliamentary Elections
The long-standing Kalapani territorial dispute has resurfaced as a prominent campaign issue in Nepal's upcoming parliamentary elections, particularly in the sensitive border constituency of Darchula. With polling scheduled for March 5, major political parties are sharpening their positions on this contentious matter that has strained relations between Nepal and India.
Historical Context and Recent Escalation
The dispute intensified significantly after India inaugurated the 80-kilometer-long Dharchula–Lipulekh road on May 8, 2020. Nepal promptly objected to this development, claiming the road passed through territory it considers its own. In response, Nepal's parliament took the decisive step of endorsing a new political map in July 2020 that formally incorporated Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura – areas that lie within India's Pithoragarh district.
This move created considerable strain in bilateral ties between the two neighboring countries. The then-prime minister of Nepal, K P Sharma Oli, went so far as to accuse India of "creating a border dispute" through its actions.
Political Parties Take Contrasting Positions
During the current election campaign, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), commonly known as UML, has adopted a particularly hardline stance. The party's manifesto includes a pledge to "reclaim the disputed territories" and protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The UML has specifically mentioned the Kalapani area in its attempts to address the border dispute with India.
At the local level in Darchula constituency, the UML candidate has issued his own manifesto that frames the struggle to reclaim Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as a matter of national pride. This rhetoric reflects the party's consistent emphasis on the Kalapani dispute since the late 20th century.
Meanwhile, the Nepali Communist Party, a coalition of 22 left-wing groups led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda," has addressed the issue with more measured language. Their manifesto calls for "a diplomatic resolution in accordance with international law," presenting a notably different approach from the UML's more confrontational stance.
Analyst Perspectives on Campaign Rhetoric
Political observers note that while Oli's UML has consistently highlighted the Kalapani dispute for decades, other parties have generally followed suit more cautiously. Analysts characterize Oli's rhetoric as strongly nationalist in tone, whereas Prachanda's approach appears comparatively moderate and diplomatic.
The differing positions reflect broader strategic calculations as parties seek to mobilize voters in border regions while managing delicate international relations. The Kalapani issue has become particularly potent in Darchula constituency, where voters have direct experience with border realities and where national sovereignty concerns intersect with local economic and security interests.
As Nepal approaches its March 5 polling date, the Kalapani dispute continues to shape campaign narratives, influence voter sentiment in border regions, and potentially affect the future trajectory of India-Nepal relations regardless of which political formation emerges victorious.
