CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel on Sunday warned that geopolitical rivalry poses a significant threat to Nepal’s future, urging political parties to unite on national interests. He made these remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention at Khulamanch in Kathmandu.
Addressing the gathering, Pokharel highlighted that the question of Nepal’s future has arisen due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. He stressed the imperative for the government to move forward by holding dialogue on all major national issues.
Pokharel underscored the need for Nepal’s political parties to stand together in defence of the country’s identity, sovereignty, and national interests. “The situation has arisen where Nepal’s political parties must stand together in defence of national interests and sovereignty,” he stated. He added that it is crucial to reassure both the Nepali people and neighbouring countries about Nepal’s stance.
The CPN-UML General Secretary also called upon political leaders to learn from history and act accordingly. Furthermore, he urged the government to take concrete steps to address the aspirations of young people, many of whom seek opportunities to build their lives within Nepal.
However, Pokharel did not elaborate on the specific geopolitical challenges or conflicts he was referring to during his address.
Nepali Congress Convention Underway
Pokharel’s remarks came as the Nepali Congress, one of Nepal’s major political parties, commenced its 15th General Convention on Sunday, Ashoj 18 (BS), 2083, in Khulamanch, Kathmandu. The convention’s inaugural ceremony saw the participation of top leaders from various political parties.
Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has prepared a political report for the 15th General Convention. This comprehensive report includes a self-assessment of past actions, calls for government accountability, a policy against pre-election alliances, proposals for party restructuring, collaboration with the private sector, enhanced youth participation, and the overarching vision of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Respected Nepali’. The report also proposes shifting Nepal’s economy from its current reliance on imports and remittances towards a production-oriented model.
Nepal’s Geopolitical Landscape
Nepal’s unique geopolitical position places it amidst competition between powerful nations, leading to regional imbalances and global influences, particularly through technology, which collectively pose challenges to national sovereignty. The country frequently encounters various geopolitical pressures, complexities, and uncooperative situations in critical sectors such as border management, security, policy formulation, development initiatives, hydropower projects, industrial growth, tourism, and aviation.
What Happens Next
Following the inaugural ceremony, the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention is scheduled to hold closed sessions and facilitate the registration of candidate nominations on Ashoj 19 and 20 (BS). After the conclusion of the convention, Nepali Congress leaders are preparing to engage with citizens at the local level to inform them about the party’s resolutions and future plans.
