Republic in Nepal came through ballot, not bullet: Minister Gurung
Minister Gurung clarified that Nepal’s transition to a republic did not come through bullets, but through ballots.
KATHMANDU: Minister for Communication and Information Technology and Government Spokesperson, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has stated that the republic in Nepal was achieved through dialogue, not violence.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday at Singha Durbar to announce the decisions of the Cabinet meeting, Minister Gurung clarified that Nepal’s transition to a republic did not come through bullets, but through ballots.
He said he had repeatedly reminded the Maoists that the republic was not established through armed struggle but through democratic processes.
“This republic was not brought by bullets but by words — not by violence, but through the ballot,” Gurung said. “I often jest with the Maoists that the day they expected to bring a republic through armed means never came. Now, whether in the ruling party or the opposition, we are all in favor of the republic.”
He emphasized that while it is acceptable to criticize or comment on the republic, advocating for the return of monarchy or supporting national division is unconstitutional. “Such acts go against the constitution, against democracy, and ultimately against the people,” he warned, stressing the need to remain within the constitutional boundaries.
Gurung also warned royalists not to misinterpret the provision of free speech as a sign of fear. “Do not think that granting you the right to speak means we are afraid,” he added.
