Prakash kafle/ Kathmandu. Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) Secretariat of District council, Chitwan has strongly condemned alleged derogatory remarks made by Sobita Gautam, the Chitwan-3 candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), targeting the Gurung and Tharu communities.
In a statement NEFIN Chitwan said Gautam described the Gurung and other Indigenous communities as a “class that can be bought with money” and an “easily purchasable group.” The federation termed the expression deeply offensive, discriminatory, and unacceptable—especially from someone contesting to become a lawmaker.
“Unacceptable from a Lawmaker Candidate”
NEFIN stated that such remarks undermine the dignity, identity, and political awareness of Indigenous peoples. “Statements that portray communities as purchasable question their integrity and democratic choice,” the federation noted, adding that leaders seeking public office must uphold constitutional values, equality, and social harmony.
The organization demanded clarification and accountability, warning that failure to address the issue could lead to further action. It emphasized that inflammatory language during elections threatens communal harmony and the credibility of the democratic process.
Call for Responsible Campaigning
NEFIN urged all political actors to maintain respectful discourse and avoid rhetoric that could incite division. As campaigning intensifies, the federation reiterated that Indigenous identity and self-respect are non-negotiable and must be protected in public debate.
