Kathmandu, Oct. 23 -- Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair Rabi Lamichhane on Friday said his visit to India was for personal and religious reasons, urging people not to attach political significance to the trip.

Lamichhane, who flew from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi in Kailali on Friday morning, said he had vowed while in prison to visit Kainchi Dham, a temple complex in Nainital, Uttarakhand, and was now travelling to fulfil that promise.

"This is a personal visit. I had planned to go there earlier. My family is also spiritually inclined, and religious faith has always been important to us," he told reporters at Dhangadhi airport. "I made this vow while I was in prison, and I want to fulfil it."

Asked why he had chosen Kainchi Dham and the...