Kathmandu: The leaders of the Nepali Congress (NC) have emphasized the importance of maintaining the inclusive proportional representative system as outlined in the constitution, insisting that it should not be compromised under any circumstances.
According to National News Agency Nepal, during a program at the NC central office in Sanepa, where certificates were handed over to the chairperson and central committee members of the Nepal Dalit Association, the leaders addressed rumors propagated by opposition parties about limiting the proportional representative system amid constitutional amendments. NC Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka highlighted the party’s long-standing advocacy for the welfare of marginalized communities, including the Dalits, and underscored NC’s vital role in establishing the National Dalit Commission to uphold the rights of these communities.
NC General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa reinforced the necessity of enhancing the representation of all ethnic communities, advocating for a m
ore systematic approach to the existing provisions. Thapa expressed, “We cannot even imagine weakening the existing provision. We want to make it further systematic.”
Additionally, NC Joint General Secretary Jiban Pariyar emphasized the need for Dalit leaders to be prepared for direct electoral participation at all levels. Meanwhile, NC spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat called for improving the inclusive proportional representative system through thorough consultations.
During the event, Man Bahadur Bishwakarma, the Founding Chairperson of the Association, and former Chairperson Min Bishwakarma, along with NC leaders Gopalman Shrestha and Sujata Pariyar, shared their perspectives. Association’s Chairperson Lok Bahadur Bishwakarma affirmed his commitment to timely convening the Association’s national convention, which has been delayed for 11 years. An ad hoc committee of 240 members, led by Lok Bahadur Bishwakarma, has been tasked with organizing the national convention by mid-April 2025.