Kathmandu, May 29 (H.S.): Nepal is celebrating Republic Day today with a special ceremony at the Tundikhel Army Pavilion, but this year’s event has drawn significant attention due to a historic change. For the first time in Nepal’s republican history, the Prime Minister did not address the Republic Day celebrations.

In previous years, it had been customary for the Prime Minister to deliver the main address during the Republic Day celebrations. However, this time Prime Minister Balendra Shah secured a Cabinet decision formally requesting the President to address the ceremony. A letter regarding the decision was also sent to the Office of the President.

According to the government’s decision, the President will henceforth address the Republic Day celebrations. In line with the new arrangement, President Ramchandra Paudel delivered the national address during this year’s ceremony.

The special event held at Tundikhel was attended by the President, the Prime Minister, members of the Council of Ministers, chiefs of security agencies, diplomatic representatives, and several distinguished personalities. The ceremony also featured a special parade and cultural performances by the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force.

Political analysts believe that replacing the Prime Minister with the President as the principal speaker at the Republic Day celebration marks a significant shift in Nepal’s constitutional and ceremonial traditions. The move is also being viewed as an effort to give greater prominence to the role of the Head of State.

Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2006 and Nepal’s declaration as a Federal Democratic Republic, the Prime Minister had traditionally delivered the keynote address at Republic Day celebrations. Therefore, this year’s arrangement is being regarded as a historic institutional change.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar