KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 22
In the ongoing policy-making conclave, the Mahasamiti meeting of the largest political party, Nepali Congress, witnessed the presentation of a proposal for a 'Vedic Sanatan Hindu state along with religious freedom' on Thursday.
During the four-day policy conclave held in Godawari, 1,063 Mahasamiti members signed the proposal.
The signature drive was initiated by the Sanatan Hindu State Nepal Mega Campaign, coordinated by central member Shankar Bhandari. Bhandari submitted the proposal to party President Sher Bahadur Deuba after explaining the necessity and relevance of the agenda during the Mahasamiti meeting.
Despite the current constitution designating the country as a 'secular state with religious freedoms' following the adoption of federalism, a faction within the Nepali Congress has persisted with the Hindu state agenda. This agenda was also raised in the previous Mahasamiti meeting held at Trivedidham, Nawalparasi.
Many Mahasamiti members representing Madhes Province and Sudurpaschim Province prioritized the issue of the Hindu state during the ongoing meeting. Co-convenor of the mega campaign, Lokesh Dhakal, expressed, "They were not advocating for religious conflict but were voicing the people's aspirations through the mega campaign."
He further argued that the Nepali Congress should not disregard the aspirations of most Mahasamiti members, as Vedic Sanatan Hindu religion embodies common ideals for all.
