KATHMANDU, Oct 4: Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal leader Sharat Singh Bhandari has said Nepalis will not accept “controlled democracy” under any pretext.
Addressing the Nepali Congress’s 15th General Convention at Khulamanch in Kathmandu on Sunday, Bhandari said the country was going through a serious economic, social and geopolitical transition.
He said cooperation and national unity among major political parties were essential to overcoming the challenges facing the country. He said natural disasters, economic slowdown, rising unemployment and the increasing exodus of young people abroad had placed the country under severe pressure.
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Bhandari expressed grief over the loss of lives and property caused by the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi area last month.
He stressed the need to amend and revise the Constitution in line with changing circumstances to make Nepal’s federal democratic republican system more inclusive and effective.
Bhandari said he expected strong support from the Nepali Congress for JSP Nepal’s campaign to amend the Constitution and build an inclusive state.
“I expect strong support from the Nepali Congress for JSP Nepal’s campaign to amend and revise the Constitution as necessary and in line with changing times, strengthen and make the federal democratic republican system more effective, and move the country toward full inclusion,” he said.
He said Nepal could protect its national interests in the changing and sensitive geopolitical environment only by pursuing a balanced foreign policy.
He also stressed the need to remain vigilant against any attempt to restrict democracy, federalism, social justice and people’s rights.
