NC General Secretary Sharma rules out monarchy's comeback

BY AMAR RAJ NAHARKI

Tanahun, Mar. 23: Nepali Congress General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma has dismissed the possibility of monarchy making a comeback in Nepal. 

Addressing a gathering of party workers organised by the Nepali Congress Tanahun at BP Smriti Bhawan in Damauli on Saturday, Sharma said that the movement advocating for the return of the king would not succeed due to a lack of public support for the monarchy.  

He further stated that the recent results of the Free Student Union (FSU) elections indicated a lack of support for the monarchy. He said the faction advocating for the return of the king managed to win at only one campus in Jhapa. This result clearly shows that the people do not support the monarchy.  

According to Sharma, the FSU election results reaffirm the people’s strong support for a democratic republic. He said, “Let’s not even think that the king will return because the people do not want the king.”

Sharma also said that the Nepali Congress General Convention will take place before the upcoming elections in 2027. He stated that, as per party regulations, the General Convention should be held every five years, which means it will take place before the elections. He said that in case of unfavorable circumstances, the convention could be postponed for up to six months, but legally, it cannot be held after mid-April, 2028. 

He emphasised that Nepali Congress has weakened due to internal divisions and stressed the need for unity. He said, “If one faction of Congress does not support the other, the people will not support us either. We must move forward together in unity.” 

Sharma also stressed the importance of accelerating development projects and ensuring their timely completion. He suggested that development projects should operate 24 hours a day in three shifts of eight hours each to expedite progress. He stated that if work is limited to only eight hours a day, projects get delayed and thus, a three-shift system is necessary to enhance efficiency and momentum in development work.