Protocol did not stop the President

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav today reached Dasharath Stadium to pay tribute to Kishunji, despite a protocol breach.

“We had discussed the issue, but we did not discuss whether it was right or wrong,” Rajendra Dahal, Press Adviser to the President told THT.

Dahal said the Office of the President had left it to the President to decide whether to go to Dasharath Stadium, as it was a personal matter. Dr Yadav offered floral tribute and spoke to journalists. “Kishunji always fought for nation and the people without any personal interest,” Dr Yadav said.

Dahal recalled that Dr Yadav did the same at the time of Girija Prasad Koirala’s demise. “He went to Mandikhatar when Girajababu died,” Dahal said, adding, “The two leaders were close to the President.” At the time of Koirala’s demise, Dr Yadav had not attended the ceremony at Dasharath Stadium.

“When first Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru died, Dr Radhakrishna did not attend his last rites. And when Indira Gandhi died, the then Head of the State Giani Zail Singh also did not attend the ceremony. In other countries also the same practice is followed,” a former diplomat said. “Moreover, if the Head of the State attends such ceremony, it creates security problems. Who would be responsible if anything goes wrong?” he asked.

Ramesh Nath Pandey, former foreign minister, said, “Dr Yadav has shown honesty in his personal feelings and relations despite holding such position and that shows he had not forgotten his past.”