Top leaders present 40-point charter to PM Dahal, announce protest plans.”
“The Rastriya Prajatantra Party announced its campaign to restore Nepal as a Nepal Hindu state presenting a 40-point demand charter to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.“
“The top leaders of the right-wing party handed over a document outlining their demands, including calls for political system changes, to the government. They also announced plans for mass gatherings and protests to push for their concerns. Prior to this, hundreds of party members and supporters gathered in different areas of Kathmandu. The group, led by party chair Rajendra Lingden, submitted the demands directly to the prime minister.”
“The party not only seeks to restore the constitutional monarchy as a ‘guardian of the state’ but also calls for the elimination of provincial structures, advocating for a streamlined government with only two tiers—central and local. The party, ranking as the fifth-largest in the House of Representatives, argues that the current three-tier system is burdensome for the nation. They assert that a robust central government, coupled with empowered local governance, is the optimal approach for the country’s needs.”
The party presses for urgent actions to curb religious conversion, asserting that it frequently exploits and misleads the general populace. Moreover, they champion the installation of a directly elected executive leader and the enforcement of a constitutional and legal restriction of two terms for executive roles. Under Lingden’s leadership, the party also insists on scrutinizing the assets of prominent officials and bureaucrats dating back to 1990, with the possibility of confiscation and legal repercussions for any wrongdoing uncovered.
Other demands put forth by the party include granting the right to vote for citizens residing abroad, a steadfast commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy, and the development of comprehensive education policies. Additionally, the party emphasizes the importance of combating corruption, ensuring transparent governance, and accelerating developmental efforts as crucial priorities.
Lingden, while presenting the demand paper, affirmed his party’s unwavering commitment to the cause, stating that they have already initiated peaceful demonstrations and will persist until their demands are met. He emphasized that the Rastriya Prajatantra Party will continue with peaceful protests, but if the government fails to respond, they will consider resorting to more assertive measures, indicating a potential for stronger action if necessary.
Upon receiving the demand paper, Dahal acknowledged the party’s right to conduct peaceful demonstrations, emphasizing that this right is enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal, which was crafted by elected representatives of the people.
“Dahal mentioned that many of the demands directly impact people’s daily lives. He assured that the government is working diligently to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. He also recalled how, in February 1996, the Samyukta Janamorcha, an electoral front of his former underground Maoist party, initiated an armed uprising because the government, led by Sher Bahadur Deuba at the time, had ignored their 40-point demand.”
Twenty-eight years later, the right-wing party initiated protests, presenting an equivalent number of demands. Presently, Dahal finds himself in a position to address these demands, reminiscent of Deuba’s situation in 1996.
Mohan Shrestha, the party’s publicity department chief, stated that it was coincidental to submit the 40-point demands in February. However, he emphasized that the party is prepared to take drastic measures to ensure their implementation. Lingden has threatened to resign from provincial assemblies and even the House of Representatives if their demands are not met.
The party, with 14 lawmakers in the 275-member House, also holds positions in provincial assemblies and currently occupies the Speaker’s seat in Bagmati and Koshi provinces. Their decision to take the Speaker position in Koshi coincided with the announcement of their nationwide demonstration plans.
After extensive deliberations, the party resolved in December of last year to initiate nationwide protests aimed at reinstating Nepal as a Hindu kingdom and abolishing provincial structures. This decision came under the influence of a faction led by General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana, prompting the party to opt for protests.
To oversee the protest efforts, the party established a main committee led by Lingden and a mobilization panel headed by Rana.
“We will commence district-level awareness gatherings until mid-March to disseminate our demands directly to households,” Shrestha informed the Post. “The Kathmandu-centered mass demonstration is scheduled for the third week of March.”
The party is also actively seeking collaboration with various groups sharing the common goal of reinstating Nepal as a Hindu state. Since last year, controversial businessman Durga Prasai has been organizing mass gatherings nationwide, including in Kathmandu, advocating for a cause similar to that of the party. Party leaders maintain regular communication with Prasai.
Recently, a faction of Nepali Congress leaders has also voiced support for reinstating Nepal as a Hindu state.
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