File image used for news summary purposes. Janardan Sharma, leader of the Progressive Democratic Party, stated that democratic values, culture, and practices remain in a state of drought in Nepal. Extending greetings on Republic Day, he said, “Even today, democratic values, culture, and practices are in drought in Nepal.” Reflecting on the declaration of the republic, he recalled that even the then king had agreed to it and emphasized that the government and representatives must be accountable to the people. Kathmandu, 29 May — Janardan Sharma, leader of the Progressive Democratic Party (Pralopa), highlighted that Nepal still faces a drought of democratic values, culture, and behavior. He conveyed these remarks in a message of goodwill on the occasion of Republic Day on Friday.
“Even today, Nepal is experiencing a drought of democratic values, culture, and behavior. Without restoring these, true democratic practice is impossible. We must also remember that the declaration of the republic was not only supported by the time’s king,” Sharma said. He urged everyone to embrace democracy on Republic Day by committing to contribute to a federal democratic republic, inclusivity, good governance, and prosperity. “Democracy is not just a word; it is a combination of ideas, culture, freedom, and rights. A system that ostracizes oppressed and marginalized people such as the destitute, poor farmers, squatters, Dalits, and women cannot be called democracy. Periodic elections and their outcomes alone do not constitute full democracy; the crucial element is that the government, parliament, and representatives remain accountable to the people,” he emphasized.
