KATHMANDU: The Chitwan District Coordination Secretariat of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities has expressed serious concern over remarks made by Sobita Gautam, a leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and candidate from Chitwan Constituency-3.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the federation said Gautam made controversial comments during an election gathering targeting indigenous communities of Chitwan, particularly the Gurung and Tharu communities, describing them as groups that could be “bought with money” and “likely to be sold.”
The federation stated that such remarks undermine the dignity, identity and political awareness of indigenous communities.
According to the statement, labeling Gurung and Tharu communities as simple and easily influenced by money reflects a narrow and racist mindset. The federation emphasized that indigenous communities are not groups that fall for inducements but are conscious citizens with their own history and pride.
It also said encouraging voters to take money if offered amounts to inciting financial transactions in elections, which violates the election code of conduct and undermines democratic values.
The federation has demanded that Gautam issue a public apology to all indigenous communities in Chitwan and submit a written clarification within 24 hours.
The statement warned that if the demand is not met, the federation will mobilize all its mechanisms in Chitwan Constituency-3 to launch an election boycott and protest programs against the candidate.
The statement, signed by federation chair Sagar Kumal, said, “Our dignity is our identity, and no one has the right to play with it.”
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