Rajesh Hamal’s dig at Finance Minister Wagle: Sycophancy crossed the line

KATHMANDU:- Actor Rajesh Hamal has expressed his objection to remarks made by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle in India.Through social media, Hamal commented that Minister Wagle not only overstepped the boundaries of his jurisdiction but also distorted the very cornerstone of the foreign policy adopted by Nepal.

He claims that although Nepal-India relations are historically and strategically significant, Finance Minister Wagle has reduced them to a matter of personal sycophancy or public ridicule.

Hamal stated, “It appears that the Finance Minister has overstepped the boundaries of his ministerial jurisdiction. His remarks risk distorting the very foundations of Nepal’s long-standing, principle-based foreign policy.”

Artist Hamal has noted that Minister Wagle, by engaging in excessive sycophancy toward India, has challenged the dignity of Nepal’s sovereignty. “Such excessively sycophantic behavior not only undermines the dignity of our sovereignty but also makes a mockery of the long-standing relationship between Nepal and India—a relationship that both nations have consistently held in high regard,” Hamal stated.

Speaking at an event organized by the Indian television channel NDTV, Wagle declared that the era of anti-India nationalism in Nepal has come to an end. He suggested that there are no actual issues between Nepal and India, and implied that the traditional political parties have merely used anti-India rhetoric to establish their nationalist credentials. Hamal has expressed the view that the nation’s foreign policy and sovereignty must not be turned into tools for serving personal political interests.

“Nepal’s foreign policy has always been a matter of national sovereignty, dignity, and steadfast principles; it must not become a tool for personal discretion or the fulfillment of political interests. No individual, regardless of the position they hold, should compromise these fundamental tenets by making statements or setting conditions that undermine Nepal’s reputation on the international stage,” Hamal added.

Nepal-India relations are deeply rooted in geography, history, culture, and people-to-people ties. Strengthening this relationship is both natural and necessary. These facets of our relationship bring us closer together than perhaps any other two nations. As a citizen of this country, I firmly believe that we should welcome every sincere effort aimed at building stronger relations with our key neighbors. At the same time, however, we expect our representatives to exercise mature diplomatic judgment—one that allows them to present our national stance in a dignified and balanced manner.