Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Vijay Chauthaiwale, head of the foreign affairs department of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who is on an informal visit to Nepal, has held meetings with leaders of various political parties.
On Thursday, Chauthaiwale met with leaders from both the ruling coalition and opposition parties.
Chauthaiwale met former Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal at the latter’s residence in Khumaltar. Similarly, he held talks with another former Prime Minister and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson, Madhav Kumar Nepal, at his residence in Koteshwar.
On the same day, Chauthaiwale separately met with four Nepali Congress (NC) – General Secretary Gagan Thapa, leader Dr Shekhar Koirala, Spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat and Central Working Committee Member Uday Shamsher Rana. He also met with the Maoist Center’s Deputy General Secretary, Janardan Sharma.
It has been said that the meetings with Nepali leaders focused on further strengthening Nepal-India relations.
Chauthaiwale, who arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday for an informal visit, has been busy engaging with leaders of political parties.
On Wednesday, he jointly met former Prime Minister Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba and his spouse, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, at their residence in Budhanilkantha. He also met the Minister for Home Affairs and NC leader Ramesh Lekhak on the same day.
Sources say Chauthaiwale also plans to meet Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and leaders of Madhesh-based political parties.
