Summary
- Bagmati Province Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya emphasized the need to abandon politics based on caste, religion, and identity, advocating for politics grounded in humanitarian principles.
- He highlighted that since the establishment of the republic, all castes and communities have gained equal rights and stressed the importance of focusing on effective management of duties rather than demands for rights.
- He clarified that the constitution guarantees inclusion and proportional representation, and identity politics must not be exploited for divisive purposes.
March 18, Kathmandu — Bagmati Province Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya has urged abandoning the tendency to engage in politics on the basis of caste, religion, and identity, and instead to pursue politics rooted in fundamental human values.
He made these remarks while addressing the 11th National Convention of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities held on Thursday in Kathmandu.
Chief Minister Baniya pointed out that since the establishment of the republic in Nepal, all castes and communities have obtained equal rights.
He noted that following the foundation of the republic, indigenous groups, Madhesi, Muslim, women, and Khas Arya communities, among others, have secured their rights. He underscored that it is now time to shift focus from demanding rights to the effective management of responsibilities.
He emphasized that since inclusion and proportional representation are guaranteed by the constitution, identity-based politics should be aimed at preserving culture, tradition, and existence without being used divisively.
Recalling the period of the armed conflict, he stressed that during that time, army, police, and civilians sacrificed their lives beyond ethnic identities.
He stated, “The constitution ensures inclusive and proportional representation for ethnic identity and existence. Now, instead of continually fighting for rights, we must advance towards managing our duties effectively.”
He highlighted the urgent need for all classes and communities to unite and move forward together for the country’s prosperity alongside the implementation of rights.
