Kathmandu, Feb 25: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has defined Mahendra Narayan Nidhi as the iconic identify of democratic movement of Nepal.
At an interaction organized by the Mahendra Narayan Nidhi Foundation at PM’s residence, Baluwatar, on Saturday on the occasion of the 101st birth anniversary Nidhi, PM Dahal said Nidhi has remained perennial source of inspiration for thoughtfulness, integrity, culture, discipline and system.
“Sometimes in politics some leaders may reach to the top position while some may not despite having qualification and capacity. But, the society ever pays homage to such personalities. Those reaching the powerful position also bow before the leaders such as Nidhi”.
Great leaders like BP Koirala, Ganesh Man Singh and Krishna Prasad Bhattarai had also been following honesty, culture and dedication of Nidhi, PM Dahal said, adding all should respect Nidhi for his ideals.
Former Prime Minister and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chair, Madhav Kumar Nepal said the simple living of Nidhi who never deviated from his commitment to democracy was inspiring for all of us.
The new generation should get inspiration from Nidhi, leader Nepal said, adding, “All should follow Nidhi’s dedication to values and norms”.
Today’s need of the hour is to deliver good governance to the people by safeguarding republic, federalism and inclusion.
“Ill-efforts are being made to revert the changes. Hence, the political forces having commitment to democracy should remain sensitive in this context”, former PM Nepal added.
Nepali Congress (NC)’s senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel said Nidhi had established his image as a democratic, Gandhian and nationalist leader with strong commitment to non-violence.
Madhes had a special space in the democratic movement of Nepal, Poudel said, adding Janakpur had been remaining in the centre of democracy.
NC leader Bimalendra Nidhi said his father Mahendra Narayan Nidhi had been repeatedly raising voice for adopting peaceful struggle.
Recalling that several achievements, including republic, federalism and inclusion were attained through peaceful protests, Nidhi also advocated for choosing peaceful path of politics.
Foundation Chairperson Puruswottam Dahal shared that the Foundation has brought into operations a Hospital and Nursing Campus in memory of Nidhi. The Foundation has also been promoting the pro-Gandhi ideals and thoughts of Nidhi.
Eight-party consensus shapes framework of national consensus- PM Dahal
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said a consensus reached among the eight political parties representing the parliament on Friday was a framework of national consensus itself.
Prime Minister Dahal said this at a talk programme entitled ‘Contemporary Nepali Politics and Nidhi’s Thoughts’ held at PM’s residence, Baluwatar, on Saturday on the occasion of the 101st birth anniversary of Mahendra Narayan Nidhi.
In his address to the programme, PM Dahal said, “The consensus that had reached among the eight political parties was historical. This was the framework of national consensus. Leader from the largest party in the parliament would elect as the President; second big party already has the Speaker and the National Assembly Chair. Prime Minster is from the third big party”.
He shared that dialogue with other political parties in the parliament was also advancing in a way to develop collaboration.
Though some indicators were emerged positive after the formation of the new government, the national economy was not freed from crisis, the PM noted.
He further admitted that there was still a threat against democratic republic and the Constitution.
Prime Minister Dahal said, “Sloganeering against the Constitution was abuzz in the National Democracy Day (February 19). It was a serious thing. The parliament dissolution orchestrated and the constitution attacked yesterday; the tendency has not yet ended. Therefore, the pro-constitution political forces upholding democratic norms and values should stand together in one place”.
He admitted that his efforts for forging national consensus were not materialized.
Collaboration with the forces not adopting the constitutional and democratic values would not go easy, he said, adding, “So we are again standing in one point with this conclusion. We have backtracked to natural course which is a vital thing of the contemporary politics”.
