How Bairagi’s ambassadorial dreams were dashed

KATHMANDU: Shankar Das Bairagi resigned from his position as adviser to the National Security Council after it seemed certain he would be appointed as the ambassador to neighboring India. However, he has been left disappointed. The government has recommended Dr Shankar Sharma, who was preparing to return to Nepal after being recalled, for the India job instead.

High-ranking sources say leaders of the ruling party asked Bairagi to step down from the National Security Council, deeming him suitable for the vacant position of ambassador in India. Bairagi resigned accordingly. But he was not appointed. It appears that Bairagi, who was on the good list of both coalition partners – Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML – was prevented from becoming ambassador of India due to pressure from some NC leaders

Bairagi, who received training in India immediately after entering the foreign service, is considered one of the few who understands India well. Why the government denied him the opportunity at the last moment is still a mystery.

According to high-ranking sources in the foreign ministry, Dr Sharma was recommended for reappointment after some high-ranking Indian officials suggested that his continuation would be good for bilateral relations.

Sharma now needs to return to Nepal and go through the entire process – ranging from waiting for agreemo to parliamentary hearing – before he can head to New Delhi.

Bairagi resigned from his position in the National Security Council on July 24.

“I have nothing to say. I fulfilled the responsibility given by the government to the best of my ability while I was in the position. I am happy,” Bairagi told Himal Press. “I am a person who enjoys reading and writing. I will read and write. Only the government can tell about the rumor about the ambassador”

When asked if he was asked to resign with the promise of being made an ambassador, he said, “Don’t make me speak on this topic. I resigned for personal reasons. Not under pressure, influence or temptation. I will help the country when needed.”

Bairagi was appointed as the adviser to the National Security Council after serving as Foreign Secretary and Chief Secretary. The government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal created the position for Bairgai on June 15, 2023. He stepped down from Chief Secretary to make way for Dr Baikunta Aryal three months before his scheduled retirement. Had Bairgai not stepped down, Dr Aryal would have retired from the position of Secretary.