Nepal’s Hindu Nation Debate Heats Up: Deuba Backs Sanatan Identity, What Will Balen Shah Do?

Kathmandu: There is big news from Kathmandu. The demand to declare Nepal a Hindu nation has again gained momentum. The faction of Nepali Congress leader and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has passed a big resolution in its 14th national conference. It talks about making Sanatan Dharma the national identity of Nepal. Slogans of 'I am a Hindu' were also raised in the conference. After this statement of Deuba, the debate on secularism versus Hindu nation has intensified in Nepalese politics.

What did Deuba say and why did the political stir increase?

Deuba said that he is not against any religion and the rights of all communities should be respected. He says he only wants the right to express his Hindu identity with pride. However, his statement is being seen as support for the demand of making Nepal a Hindu nation. The resolution also emphasises religious tolerance, freedom of all communities and maintaining social harmony.

Are there preparations to change the Constitution of Nepal?

The demand to make Nepal a Hindu nation is directly linked to the Constitution. Nepal was declared a secular, federal democratic republic under the constitution implemented in 2015. Organisations supporting Hindu Rashtra are now demanding to change this system through constitutional amendment. His main emphasis is on removing the word ‘secular’ from Article 4 of the Constitution.

What demand did Vishwa Hindu Parishad place before the government?

Active organisations have started presenting their views to the government regarding the demand for Hindu Rashtra in Nepal. It has come to light that Vishwa Hindu Parishad Nepal has proposed to remove the word 'secular' from the Constitution. The organisation wants Nepal's identity to be fixed as a Hindu nation based on Sanatan tradition. Along with this, there is also talk of maintaining religious freedom.

On which side is Rashtriya Prajatantra Party?

Rashtriya Prajatantra Party i.e. RPP is also in favor of including the issue of Hindu Rashtra in the possible process of constitutional amendment. The party says that Nepal's religious and cultural identity should also get a place in the debate on comprehensive changes in the Constitution. RPP leaders have said that they will present their stand before the government on this issue.

How big is the challenge before the Balen Shah government?

The ongoing process regarding constitutional amendment in Nepal is now becoming politically sensitive for the government. The working group related to the amendment has suggested changes in many provisions of the Constitution. Pro-Hindu Rashtra organisations are trying to bring their demands to the center of the constitutional debate through this process. The government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah now faces the challenge of maintaining a balance between various political and social groups.

Can Nepal become a Hindu nation again?

At present no final decision has been taken to declare Nepal a Hindu nation. For this the Constitution will have to be amended and for that broad political consensus will be necessary. Along with pro-Hindu Rashtra organisations, supporters of the secular system are also influential in Nepal. In such a situation, Deuba's statement and the proposal of the Congress conference may have intensified the debate, but it would be premature to consider it as a sign of immediate constitutional change.

Did Nepal's identity change after 2015?

Nepal had long been the world's only officially Hindu nation. After the end of the monarchy in 2008, the country became a republic and was given the form of a secular federal democratic republic in the 2015 constitution. Now the demand for Hindu Rashtra is again returning to political discussion. In the coming time, the debate on constitutional amendment will decide whether Nepal maintains its existing secular system or makes any major changes in its constitutional and religious identity.