Nepal’s PM Karki Urges Unity on Constitution Day

Nepal commemorated its 10th Constitution Day on Friday with a blend of solemn reflection and renewed calls for unity, as Prime Minister Sushil Karki emphasized that protecting and implementing the 2015 Constitution is a shared duty of all Nepalis. Speaking at a scaled-down ceremony at Tundikhel Open Ground, Karki, Nepal’s first woman prime minister, underscored democracy as a system rooted in dialogue and problem-solving, particularly in the wake of recent political upheaval.

The Constitution, enacted on September 20, 2015 (Asoj 3, 2072 Bikram Samvat), marked a historic milestone after the abolition of the monarchy, born from years of struggle and sacrifice. However, this year’s celebrations were subdued due to the tragic loss of 72 lives during violent Gen Z-led protests last week, which culminated in the ouster of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli over allegations of corruption and a controversial social media ban. Karki, who assumed office on September 12, acknowledged the unrest, attributing it to the frustrations of the younger generation. “Listening to the people is the soul of democracy,” she declared, pledging her government’s commitment to addressing public grievances through open dialogue.

The main event, attended by President Ramchandra Paudel, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and other dignitaries, highlighted the Constitution’s role in uniting Nepal’s diverse ethnic, linguistic, and cultural communities. President Paudel praised the document for fostering national unity by dismantling centralized systems of discrimination and oppression. He urged citizens to rally behind the federal democratic republic to achieve sustainable peace, good governance, and prosperity, emphasizing the Constitution’s vision of an egalitarian society grounded in social justice and a socialism-oriented economy.

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Meanwhile, a group of Gen Z activists held a rally at Maitighar Mandala, the epicenter of the recent protests, vowing to protect the gains of their movement. The Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre also marked the occasion with separate events at their Kathmandu offices. Former Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ spoke at the Maoist Centre’s program, while Oli was notably absent from his party’s gathering, reflecting the lingering political tensions.

Later, President Paudel hosted a special function at the President’s Office, attended by Karki, ministers, and other leaders. The day’s events underscored Nepal’s complex journey toward stability, with the Constitution serving as both a unifying force and a reminder of the challenges ahead. As the nation navigates its post-protest landscape, Karki’s call for dialogue signals a hopeful path toward healing and progress, with the government tasked with balancing the aspirations of a restive youth with the demands of a diverse society.

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