In a significant shift in political rhetoric, the government has formally categorized the demand for a referendum on restoring the monarchy and a Hindu State as an agenda requiring "immediate address."
In a five-point letter sent to Durga Prasai, coordinator of the Rastra, Rastriyata, Dharma-Sanskriti and Nagarik Bachau Mahabhiyan, a high-level government committee expressed its commitment to addressing the movement's demands. This response follows a series of 27 demands submitted by Prasai’s campaign.
The letter, signed by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, Chief Advisor to Prime Minister Sushila Karki and coordinator of the government's dialogue committee, noted that while some issues require technical and legal study, the government is dedicated to finding long-term solutions through dialogues.
"Many of the presented demands involve policy, legal, and constitutional complexities. Therefore, additional time is required for extensive consultation with relevant ministries and stakeholders," the letter states.
The breakthrough comes after an initial meeting between Prime Minister Karki and Prasai at Baluwatar on December 16. To maintain the momentum of these talks, the government has scheduled a high-level meeting between the Prime Minister and Prasai to take place on December 30.
This marks the first time the current administration has formally acknowledged the possibility of a referendum regarding the country's constitutional identity in an official correspondence with the activist.
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