India Unaware of Protests in Nepal Against “Akhanda Bharat” Mural in New Parliament Building

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has stated that it is not aware of the protests taking place in Nepal against the mural of “Akhanda Bharat” (undivided India) in India’s new parliament building. During a weekly media briefing on Friday, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, revealed that the issue was not raised during talks held on Thursday between the Nepali delegation, led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and Indian officials.

Bagchi clarified, “This question was asked yesterday in the context of the foreign secretary’s briefing on the Nepalese prime minister’s visit, and whether this was raised. It wasn’t raised. So I don’t know if the protests are still going on. Certainly, the Nepalese side did not raise it.”

Regarding the controversial mural, Bagchi explained that it depicts the spread of the Ashokan empire and promotes the idea of responsible and people-oriented governance. He added, “That’s what the mural and the plaque in front of the mural says. And I really don’t have anything further to add to that. I’m certainly not going to comment on statements that other political leaders might have made.”

When asked about any official protest from Pakistan regarding the mural, Bagchi responded that he was not aware of any such protest, at least not until that point. He stated, “I haven’t seen any official protest from Pakistan, at least. Maybe I just missed it, maybe it’s come today. But I don’t know if it’s an official protest or not.”

The mural of “Akhanda Bharat” in India’s new parliament building has faced opposition in Nepal due to its inclusion of Kapilvastu and Lumbini, which are of historical and cultural significance to Nepal.