President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said on Wednesday that all should learn from the ideals espoused by the supreme commander of the 1990 democracy movement, the late Ganesh Man Singh. 

While addressing the People’s Movement Gold Medal Investiture Ceremony organised by the Ganesh Man Singh and the People’s Movement Martyrs Memorial Foundation on the occasion of the 102nd birth anniversary of Singh, the President said, “All should learn from the principles of late leader Singh who made exemplary contribution to the establishment and consolidation of democracy by deciding to forego government position.” 

Noting that Nepal’s politics was oriented towards practising consensus and cooperation following the 1990 democracy movement, President Bhandari said this became possible due to the proactive role played by the late Singh. 

She added that Singh, who had cultivated an identity as a brave person since his youth, is established as the “iron man” of Nepali politics in the minds of the Nepali people. 

“Singh has made a big contribution in bringing together the political forces in the fight for democracy during his long political life since the declaration of the uprising against the Rana rule,” President Bhandari said. 

The Head of State also spoke of the need of consensus among the democratic forces for the effective implementation of the constitution by embracing the spirit of the People’s Movement of 2006-07, for it ushered in republican system in Nepal. 

“I urge everyone to join the socio-economic development campaign to strengthen the foundation of democracy and nationality through the implementation of the constitution,” she said. 

Former Speaker Subas Chandra Nembang said it is necessary for the political parties that stood at one place in the fight against autocracy to once again come together for the implementation of the constitution. “The country can embark on the path to development only when the constitution is implemented. Therefore, the parties should come together for the same,” he said. 

Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula said holding the three tiers of elections is the major challenge of the day. 

If political parties come together and implement the constitution, it will be a true tribute to the late leader Singh,” said Sitaula. 

Minister for Health Gagan Thapa underlined the need of taking the country towards the path of economic development after securing the political rights as it was the fervent desire of the late leader Singh. 

Meanwhile, people from various walks of life and leaders and supporters of the Nepali Congress (NC) gathered at Shova Bhagawati on Wednesday and garlanded the statue of the late leader. 

Speaking at the event organised by the Ganesh Man Singh Memorial Foundation, NC leader and son of Singh, Prakash Man Singh said the sacrifice made by the late leader and the principles he following helped ushered in democracy in Nepal and ultimately promulgation of the constitution. Now the parties should unite to implement the constitution, he said. He added that the NC should take a leading role in implementing the constitution. The event was also attended by Minister for Industry Nabindra Raj Joshi, lawmakers Rajendra Kumar KC, Dhyan Gobinda Ranjit, Chandra Maharjan, Dipak Kuinkel and NC Kathmandu district president Sabuj Baniya among others.