Federalism now is country’s need: President Deuba

Janakpur / March 2 : Nepali Congress (NC) President has asserted the federalism now has become the need and reality of the country.

In his inaugural address to the ‘Janakpur Literature-Art and International Drama Festival-2075’ here today, former Prime Minister Deuba said federalism would in no way be reverted from the country.

“NC would not restrain any patience if any efforts were made to put in peril the federalism in any pretext”, he said at the programme organised by Maithili Development Trust.

Lambasting the government for its efforts to blow social networking sites to muzzle free expression in different pretexts, he clarified that such move would not enabe democracy.

“Keeping in mind the aspiration of Madhes and Madhesi people, I had attempted for amendment to the Constitution which remained abortive. NC is still ready for the constitutional amendment”, he added.

Maithili is the second most spoken language in Nepal, he said, adding Maithili in itself is a prosperous language.

The ex-prime minister appreciated the concept of Ramayan Circuit meant for the development of religious tourism hub from Janakpur to Ayodhyay. It would contribute to the promotion of religious tourism and also deepen Nepal-India bilateral relations at people’s level.

Also speaking on the occasion, NC Vice-President Bimalendra Nidhi insisted that Janakpur should be made the capital and Maithili the langua franca of the State-2.

Nidhi, also the former Prime Minister, opined that the official language and capital of the State-2 should be Maithili and Jaakpur, respectively, while the State should be named either ‘Mithila’ or ‘Mithila Bhojpuriya’ in keeping with social structure and the principle of federalism.

Standing Committee member of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) Ghanashyam Bhusal termed the Maithili language as the glory of history. He stressed on the need for public awakening in maintaining the intellectual richness noting that each language is the highway of knowledge, progression and awareness.

Also speaking at the programme Rastriya Janata Party Nepal vice-chair and National Assembly member Brikhesh Chandra Lal opined for rejuvenating Mathil language and culture.

Similarly, Federal Socialist Forum Nepal general secretary Ram Sayah Yadav blamed the state mechanisms for neglecting the Maithil language and culture.

Nepali Congress central member Ananda Prasad Dhungana suggested for making Maithil language the official language of State -2.

NCP leader Ram Chandra Jha said that the conspiracies were being hatched to discourage the advancement of the language.

Various speakers, including linguist Prof Dr Ram Awatar Yadav and literary figure Dr Rajendra Bimal also stressed on putting in place the measures for the development of Maithili language and culture.

According to the host, the programme was organised to promote literature, culture, arts, folk culture and folklore of the Maithil people.

The six-day mega event is being attended by the delegates from Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh.

Also on the occasion, indigenous cultures, folk songs and dramas of the participating respective countries are being performed. RSS