Congratulating the people of Nepal for getting democracy restored in the kingdom, Union Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed assured them on Wednesday that India will provide full-fledged support to bring back peace and prosperity there.

"The future of Nepal is in safe hands now. As a close neighbour and friend of that country, India has all along stood by the people of Nepal in their unrelenting struggle for restoration of democratic rights," Ahamed told a meet-the-press programme.

Noting that the Indian government had already made its position very clear with regard to Nepal, he said, "It is a victory of the people of Nepal who have displayed extraordinary courage in restoring democracy. We are ready to support them in whatever manner they feel to restore a peaceful and prosperous Nepal."

On the state assembly elections, E Ahamed, who is also the Indian Union Muslim League national general secretary, said he was very confident that the Congress-led United Democratic Front would be returned to power as 'the people wanted us to continue the developmental activities'.

• People's day in Nepal

Criticising the pre-poll surveys published in a section of the 'media that mostly favoured the opposition Left Democratic Front', he said they were 'pre-planned' and aimed at influencing the electorate.

Asked if he supported the school of thought that exit polls should be banned in the country, Ahamed said, "It is a matter to be seriously considered to ascertain whether exit polls are good or bad."

On People's Democratic Party and Jama'at-e-islami declaring support to LDF, the minister said that there was no surprise to the League or the UDF, 'as they have never supported us in the past too'.

To a query on the Left parties' charges against the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre, he said though the Congress and the Left had differences, the UPA was going ahead as per the Common Minimum Programme.

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