Amid widespread criticism, DPM Mahato corrects his statement about multi-nation state

KATHMANDU, June 6: Amid widespread criticism about his controversial remarks about multi-nation state, the Deputy Prime Minister Rajendra Mahato issued a statement to clarify that he is committed toward national unity and integrity.  Mahato, on Saturday evening, issued a statement after being dragged into controversy following his statement, which he had made shortly after assuming the office on Friday evening. He had said that they [newly appointed ministers from Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP)] would now prepare for a liberation movement to establish Nepal as a multi-nation state.  He reiterated the similar statement and said  Nepal should be established as a multi-nation state as it is full of diversity.  “Nepal should not remain as a single-nation state, however, it should be operated as a multi-nation state,” said Mahato, addressing a program in Nepal’s capital on Saturday afternoon.  I meant to say that Nepal is a common nation for people of all castes, classes, communities, religions and genders as mentioned in Article 3 of the Constitution of Nepal. “All the Nepalese people, with multiethnic, multilingual, multi-religious, multicultural characteristics and in geographical diversities, and having common aspirations and being united by a bond of allegiance to national independence, territorial integrity, national interest and prosperity of Nepal, collectively constitute the nation,” states Article 3.  DPM Mahato also claimed that his statements were distorted and wrongly interpreted.  His statement is being criticized by various political leaders and people from different walks of life.