None can belittle Prithvi Narayan Shah's contribution

Kathmandu, Dec 27: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdev Gautam has said no one could erase the contributions made by Prithvi Narayan Shah in creating the modern Nepal.

Speaking at an interaction programme organized by 293^rd Prithvi Jayanti Main Celebration Committee here on Saturday, DPM Gautam said, "I do not oppose the idea of marking National Unity Day (on Poush 27) and I am taking initiative to take a proposal in the cabinet meeting."

On the occasion, DPM Gautam made it clear that the new constitution could not incorporate the provision on giving Hindu religion the status of the state religion.

Likewise, Nepali Congress leader Khum Bahadur Khadka reminded of a major campaign for reinstating the Hindu state and added that as the country had already embarked for federalism he had no opposition.

Litterateur Modnath Prashit said the cultural unification of Nepal took place during the era of Lichchhavi King Shanker Dev and that the territorial unification was carried out by Prithvi Narayan Shah.

Meanwhile, a 101-member Prithvi Jayanti Main Celebration Committee has been formed under the chair of Modnath Prashit to celebrate the 293^rd birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah.

The Committee will hold a special programme on Poush 27 in the capital city to mark the birth anniversary of Shah. RSS