Kathmandu : Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah has categorically stated that the government has no intention of restoring Nepal as a Hindu state or reinstating the monarchy, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the country’s federal democratic republican system.

The remarks came during a nearly two-hour meeting on Friday with leaders of Madhesh-centric political parties. According to participants, Prime Minister Shah said that the issue of declaring Nepal a Hindu state is closely intertwined with the debate over restoring the monarchy, making it incompatible with the government’s constitutional commitment. He stressed that the current administration remains firmly dedicated to safeguarding the federal democratic republic and will not pursue any course that undermines it.

Leaders who attended the meeting said the Prime Minister acknowledged that the demand for a Hindu state is driven by different political and social sentiments in the Tarai-Madhesh and the hill regions. However, he maintained that the restoration of the monarchy is neither appropriate nor in the national interest under the present circumstances. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to the effective implementation of federalism.

Following the meeting, Ram Kumar Sharma, General Secretary of the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, said the Prime Minister had presented a clear and unequivocal position on both the Hindu state and monarchy issues. Likewise, Rajendra Mahato, Chairman of the Rashtriya Mukti Party Nepal, said Prime Minister Shah assured the leaders that the government would uphold the federal governance system, ensure legal action against those found guilty based on investigation reports, and implement agreements reached with affected communities.

Expressing concern over recent incidents of communal tension in the Tarai-Madhesh region, Prime Minister Shah warned that certain vested interests were attempting to disrupt religious harmony and social cohesion. He called on political parties, community leaders, and citizens to stand united in preserving peace, communal harmony, and national unity.

During the discussion, Madhesh-based leaders also raised concerns over the government’s failure to implement several past agreements, including commitments made in Sunsari in the presence of the Home Minister. In response, Prime Minister Shah assured them that the government remains committed to honouring its promises and would work to strengthen public trust, maintain peace, and deliver meaningful change across the country.