Congress Faction Concludes National Gathering with 5-Point Decision on Religion

Kathmandu. The national gathering of the Nepali Congress's other faction (former President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Dr. Shekhar Koirala) concluded on Friday with a 5-point decision. The decision number 3 of the gathering, held in the capital from July 15 to 17, mentions the subject of religion. The decision states, 'The religion and culture that has been practiced in Nepal since time immemorial is also our national identity. In view of the responsibility to protect the Sanatan, Hindu, Buddhist, Kirat, and Prakrit religions that have been practiced in Nepal, ensuring religious tolerance, social harmony, and the freedom of every individual and religious community to practice their religion, we will commit to advancing the nation with Sanatan Dharma as the national identity.'

This decision of the gathering does not align with Nepal's constitution of 2072 BS and the party's own statute. Nepal was officially declared a secular nation on May 4, 2006, by the then reinstated House of Representatives. At that time, the then President of Congress, Girija Prasad Koirala, was also the Prime Minister of the country. The Constitution of Nepal 2072 BS, created by the elected Constituent Assembly, also continues secularism. Article 4 of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS, defines Nepal as an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular, inclusive, democratic, socialist-oriented, federal democratic republican state. When the constitution was promulgated, the then President of Nepali Congress, Sushil Koirala, was the Prime Minister. The government was led by Congress when Nepal was declared a secular nation and when the constitution was promulgated.