Congress Faction Concludes National Gathering with 5-Point Decision on Religion
Summary
Nepali Congress’s other faction has concluded its national gathering with a 5-point decision that links Sanatan Dharma to Nepal’s national identity, prompting debate over its compatibility with the constitution’s secular provisions. Sher Bahadur Deuba said he personally follows Hinduism but that religion in the country should be decided by the people, while the party continues to face internal discussion over the move.
Key Points
- Nepali Congress’s other faction ended its national gathering in Kathmandu with a 5-point decision that includes religion as a key issue.
- The decision says Nepal should advance with Sanatan Dharma as its national identity while protecting Hindu, Buddhist, Kirat and Prakrit traditions.
- The move is being questioned because Nepal’s constitution defines the country as secular, and the Congress statute does not explicitly mention secularism.
- Sher Bahadur Deuba said he is personally Hindu but that the country’s religious direction should be decided by the people and must preserve religious freedom.
