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RPP unveils poll manifesto; stresses Hindu state, monarchy
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) led by Kamal Thapa on Tuesday unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming provincial and parliamentary elections.The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) led by Kamal Thapa on Tuesday unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming provincial and parliamentary elections.
At a programme organised in Kathmandu today, RPP Chairman Kamal Thapa made public the party’s election manifesto that has given continuity to its original agendas—reinstatement of Hindu nation and constitutional monarchy. He said that his party is still firm in its demand for Hindu state and constitutional monarchy while accepting the new constitution and the political change.
“We need an all-acceptable monarchy above the elected institution,” said Thapa, adding, “We are in favour of Hindu state but can’t accept Hindu extremism.”
“There can’t be a state sans any religion or apathetic to religion. The concept of secular state is fundamentally wrong,” reads the RPP manifesto.
The RPP has stressed on the need for a constitutional monarchy and an original form of government with a directly elected Prime Minister. Stating that the institution of monarchy and Hindu state are the values established since time immemorial, the RPP manifesto has warned of dire situations if the values are dismantled. “We have to seek harmony between revolutionary change and continuation of tradition,” reads the manifesto.
Noting that the party is well aware about the people’s movement 2006 and the new constitution of 2015, the RPP has claimed that the new monarchy will be a common institution acceptable to those aspiring for change.
The RPP manifesto has stated that the party accepted the new constitution with reservations. “Definitely the new constitution of Nepal has its weaknesses and flaws. It has not been able to incorporate the spirit and aspirations of Nepali people. However, this constitution has adopted the prevailing democratic values of the world,” read the statement. The RPP has lauded the constitution as being progressive from the perspectives of proportional and inclusive principle.
The party has expressed its disagreement with the federal set-up. “Federalism was not needed for Nepal. This concept was established without holding enough discussion about its importance and need and meaning,” the RPP stated in its manifesto. “As a result, there have been problems in the implementation of the concept of federal structure even after the promulgation of new constitution.” The RPP has stressed that it would be appropriate to demarcate the federal states so as to connect mountain, hill and Tarai.
The RPP has stressed on open market economic system. Chariman Thapa said that though the other political parties are in favour of communist and capitalist economic systems, his party can’t support them. “The RPP is committed to open market economic system,” said RPP, “Even the countries that are hesitant about peace and democracy have adopted open market economy.”
The RPP has promised to achieve double-digit economic growth in the next 10 years.