LALITPUR: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has warned that discouraging federalism, proportional representation, and an inclusive system would result in injustice for the people.
Speaking at an extended meeting of central office bearers and secretariat members of the Democratic Indigenous Nationalities Federation in Godavari, Lalitpur, Minister Gurung emphasized that the national slogan “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis” should not remain a mere slogan.
He stressed that peace, stability, inclusion, federalism, equitable distribution of rights, and meaningful representation are essential to achieving this goal.
“There is inequality among linguistic and ethnic communities in our society, with class inequality being the most severe,” he said. “Federalism is necessary to build an egalitarian society in a multicultural country. Religious equality must also be ensured for all—favoring one religion leads to conflict.”
Gurung also highlighted the struggles of Nepal’s indigenous communities and said their identities must be protected within the party structure.
“Many issues related to caste, language, and religion were raised during the party’s fifth general convention. The demand for cultural rights remains strong. The Democratic Indigenous Nationalities Federation, which operates within the party’s framework, must continue to work actively for the rights of indigenous communities.”
He explained that the federation was founded to fight against social, economic, and religious oppression, based on Marxist principles. “There are people within our own party who oppose federalism and claim that provincial governments are unnecessary.”
“But if ethnic, linguistic, and cultural issues are not addressed, it will lead to conflict. When all communities feel represented by the state, peace and a sense of belonging follow. No single ethnic group forms a majority, so inclusive federalism is essential,” he asserted.
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