Politics should not be mixed with religion: PM Oli

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 13: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli emphasised that there should be no politics or extremism in the name of any religion.

In a meeting with the officials of Jainswetambar Terapethi Sabha at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday, Prime Minister Oli stated that as a secular country, Nepal respects all religions. 

He warned that politicising religion would harm society.

“On one hand, a campaign for a Hindu state is underway in Nepal, while on the other hand, people’s poverty is being exploited in the name of spreading Christianity,” he said. 

“We must control such issues gradually,” said the Prime Minister, adding, “Intolerance and narrow-mindedness should not be tolerated in the name of any religion. Choosing a religion is a matter of personal choice and we respect it.”

During the meeting, Muni Ramesh Kumar ji and Muni Ratna Kumar ji, disciples of Acharya Shri Mahashraman ji, shared information about their efforts to promote morality, goodwill, human unity, freedom from addiction, and spreading peace in society.

Meanwhile, addressing journalists' queries in Biratnagar on Monday evening, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the CPN (Maoist Centre)’s protest and movement stem from its frustration over being ousted of the government. Prime Minister Oli stressed that issues which have not occurred should not be turned into unnecessary disputes.

Prime Minister Oli, also the chairman of CPN-UML, addressed allegations by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ chairman of the main opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) clarifying that there is no discussion or plan regarding the American State Partnership Program (SPP). Prachanda had alleged that the government was attempting to undermine national sovereignty by preparing an agreement on the SPP.

In response to a journalist’s query regarding the formation of a commission for constitutional amendment, Prime Minister Oli said that since the issue is within the jurisdiction of Parliament, there is no need to proceed with the formation of a commission.

When asked about the disconnection of electricity lines to industries by the Nepal Electricity Authority under the government’s instructions, Prime Minister Oli responded, “If the electricity lines have not been reconnected, then let’s wait and see. We will continue to do the necessary work to enable industries and factories to function and promote economic prosperity.”

Prime Minister Oli returned to Kathmandu after attending the 13th convocation ceremony of the Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, with a stopover in Biratnagar.