Ex-minister launches Democratic Nepal party

A group of politicians and members of civil society have formed a political party called ‘Prajatantrik Nepal’ or ‘Democratic Nepal’ party under the chairmanship of former Education Minister Keshar Bahadur Bista in the run up to the upcoming elections.

Chairman Bista announced the party at a National Conference that began in the capital on Wednesday.

The party has been founded with the ideology of protecting sovereignty, nationality, national unity and integrity of the nation and to institutionally develop multiparty democracy, constitutional monarchy, rule of law and parliamentarian system of governance, reports said.

More than 600 representatives and observers from 69 districts of the country are taking part in the two-day conference.

Inaugurating the conference, chairman Bista said a new political party was founded as the existing political parties were not able to full the minimum aspirations of the people, adding, “Democratic Nepal would address all the shortcomings of the existing political parties and work towards addressing the problems dogging the country.”

The party has also made public its flag, which bears a sign of a five-pointed white star in a blue backdrop.

According to sources, the party passed a roadmap to resolve current political impasse of the country during the closed session of Wednesday. Initiation of dialogue, amendment in the present constitution and formation of legitimate government are some of the points of the roadmap proposed by the party.

The closed session also formed a 35 member central working committee.

Bista, Education minister of Panchyat era was active in Nepali politics through a forum ‘Saman Bichar Manch’ (Equal thought forum) since the last year in a run up of forming a new party saying political parties were not guided by the national interest. nepalnews.com pb Nov 17 05