KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) has stated that he is not in favor of turning Nepal into a Hindu state or restoring the monarchy. During a meeting with leaders of Madhesh-based political parties on Friday, Shah said that a Hindu state would eventually lead to the return of the monarchy, and that he does not support such a move.
“We are not moving toward making Nepal a Hindu state. However, the movement for a Hindu state in the Tarai/Madhesh region carries a different sentiment, while the movement in the hills has another context,” Shah was quoted as saying by Ram Kumar Sharma, General Secretary of the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal. “We are not in favor of bringing back the king. It would weaken federalism.”
Party leaders had questioned Prime Minister Shah about his position on the demand for a Hindu state. Responding to their queries, Shah said: “If Nepal becomes a Hindu state, the monarchy will also be linked with it. At this stage, that would not be the right approach. I am also committed to fully implementing the federal system.”
JSP Nepal General Secretary Sharma said that Prime Minister Shah’s position on the issues of a Hindu state and monarchy was clear. National Liberation Party Nepal Chairman Rajendra Mahato said that during the meeting, Shah reiterated that he and his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), remain committed to federalism.
The Prime Minister also assured the leaders that those found guilty based on investigation reports would face legal action and that agreements reached with victims would be implemented. “Some elements are attempting to serve their interests by creating communal tensions. We all must work together against such efforts,” Mahato quoted Shah as saying. “The government is working to control the communal unrest seen in the Tarai/Madhesh region. You should also support these efforts. Let us all work from our respective positions.”
During the meeting, party leaders urged the Prime Minister to ensure the implementation of an agreement signed by the Home Minister in Sunsari. “Previous governments failed to implement agreements they had signed. We told the Prime Minister that this government should not repeat the same mistake. People sent you to power for change, so work in a way that citizens can feel change taking place everywhere,” Mahato said. Prime Minister Shah held discussions with Madhesh-based political parties for around two hours.
