Nepal's president's economic advisor resigned almost a week after he criticised the government's decision to issue currency notes depicting the country's new map with areas claimed by India.

Chiranjibi Nepal, former governor of Nepal's central bank, expressed his views stating that the decision to incorporate Indian territories of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani into Nepal's map was deemed "unwise".

In a statement issued by a coalition of civil society leaders, Chiranjibi Nepal, speaking to BBC Nepali Service, referred to the decision as an "irresponsible diversion" and made further controversial remarks concerning sovereignty.

Nepal clarified that his opposition to the decision stemmed from his previous role as the Governor of the Rastra Bank and not as an adviser to the President. This statement followed the public unveiling of the map on the currency notes on May 4.

He added, "Nepal being in dispute with India over certain parts of territory is one thing, but printing in the currency a map that is different from what the international bodies, including two neighbours, have recognised is unwise."

The comments of the economic advisor drew criticism from the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist's K P Sharma Oli.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal stated that he had discussed the comments with President Ram Chandra Poudel.

The Office of the President issued a press statement confirming that Nepal's resignation was accepted by President Paudel. President Paudel expressed gratitude to economic advisor Nepal for his service as an Economic Expert.

Several leaders, including former chief of Nepal’s anti-graft body Surynath Upadhyay, former ambassador to India Nilambar Acharya, and adviser to former president Bidya Devi Bhandari, had appealed for the removal of Nepal from the post. Additionally, a group of civil society leaders had also demanded Nepal's removal over the remarks.

The statement asserted that Mr. Nepal's public comments had undermined the dignity and authority of Nepal’s constitutional head-of-state. It further suggested that Mr. Nepal's remarks might reflect the stance of President Ram Chandra Poudel, given the silence of the Office of the President on the matter.

The statement called for an immediate retraction from the Office of the President and the removal of Chiranjibi Nepal from his responsibilities as an advisor in order to uphold the position of the President of the Republic and avoid controversy.

Image source: India Today