PHOTO: AP

THE PROTEST CONTINUES: A demonstrator hurls a tear gas shell at policemen during a protest against King Gyanendra in Kathmandu on Monday.

NEW DELHI: "We have let the people of Nepal down, lost the goodwill of the seven political parties, earned the annoyance of Maoists and received no kudos from King Gyanendra," the former External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh, said on Monday.

In a statement here, Mr. Singh said India's "not so masterly inactivity" for months in the Himalayan nation had not succeeded.

"Dr. Karan Singh [Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's special envoy] tried but it was too late. What can India do now? Too much is at stake in geopolitical terms. We should be the leading player. Why are we not?"

He suggested that the Prime Minister, on his return from Uzbekistan, immediately call a meeting of leaders of all political parties to carve out a national consensus on Nepal.

Referring to a formula proposed by CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury, which included immediate restoration of the dissolved Parliament and the setting up of an interim government, Mr. Singh said it could be the base on which a coherent and concrete policy could firmly stand.

"The not so engaging linguistic incoherence of some Indian players will not do. We need calm self-awareness, strong nerves," he said.

"Emulate Bhutan King"

"King Gyanendra should take a page out of the democratic book of the enlightened King of Bhutan. The skill and forethought His Majesty the King of Bhutan has shown are praiseworthy. He has understood the temper of the times and responded with wisdom."

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