Bhandari Warns Against 'Controlled Democracy' at Congress Conclave

Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal leader Sharat Singh Bhandari has cautioned that the public will reject any move toward a "controlled democracy" under any pretext. Speaking at the opening session of the 15th Nepali Congress General Convention at Khula Manch in Kathmandu, Bhandari stated that curbing civil and political liberties cannot be the country's destiny, urging parties to preserve democratic space amid economic strain, social tensions, and shifting geopolitical realities.

Bhandari also called on the Nepali Congress to support constitutional amendments aimed at reinforcing federal democratic republicanism and guaranteeing proportional representation across state institutions. He framed the revision of the charter as an essential step to address regional and minority concerns through inclusive governance.

Highlighting that major political struggles are over, Bhandari appealed to political parties to move beyond partisan infighting and pivot entirely toward national development and economic transformation. He noted that the decisions and leadership emerging from the Congress convention will significantly influence Nepal's overall stability and economic trajectory.