National
Shashank denies making remarks about referendum on religion
Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Shashank Koirala has claimed that he did not give any remarks on holding a referendum on reinstating a Hindu state.Kamal Panthi
Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Shashank Koirala has claimed that he did not give any remarks on holding a referendum on reinstating a Hindu state.
Speaking at a press meet organised in Gulariya, the district headquarters of Bardiya, on Sunday, Koirala said the NC was in favour of an ‘independent’ religion.
“I haven’t said anything regarding a referendum on either secularism or a Hindu state. I mentioned in Chitwan that federalism and secularism are major achievements gained by the country so far,” said Koirala. Talking to journalists on Wednesday, Koirala demanded referendum on religion, federalism and republicanism against the party’s official line and the country’s constitution. His remarks have drawn flak within the party, stating that such “regressive” statement could put the party in a peril.
In another context, Koirala asserted that the government should hold talks with the Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal rather than imposing ban on its activities. He also criticised the government of giving “sole authority” to the Prime Minister to mobilise the army.