LUCKNOW: BJP’s firebrand MP from Gorakhpur Mahant Adityanath has written to Nepal prime minister Sushil Koirala and constituent assembly chairperson, seeking a ban on cow slaughter and religious conversion in the Himalayan nation. He has also demanded that Nepal should be declared a ‘ Hindu Rashtra ’ as it was during the time of monarchy. He will also attend an event in Kathmandu on July 26 to press for these demands.

When asked whether he had sought his party’s permission to attend the Kathmandu event, Adityanath told TOI that since he was going as the head of Gorakshpeeth, he didn’t require that. “I would be a guest speaker at the programme on July 26 which will be attended by various social organizations and all political parties,” he said. In the evening, he would meet political leaders and urge them to ensure that the Hindu identity of Nepal restored.

Meanwhile, after suggestions were sought from the public on the framing of Nepal’s new constitution, Adityanath shot off a letter each to Nepal prime minister Sushil Koirala and constituent assembly chairperson Subhash Chandra Nemwaang, requesting them to accommodate his demands.

Justifying his stand, the BJP MP said the Gorakhsapeeth has had a long association with Nepal. It was due to the blessings of Guru Gorakshanath that united Nepal came into being, he said, adding that during the period of monarchy, it was King of Nepal who would be making the first offering at the Gorakhnath temple on the Makar Sankranti day. After the abolition of monarchy, this ritual is performed by the royal priest.

“Around 100 crore Hindus are eagerly waiting for the framing of the new Constitution in Nepal and its implementation soon. It was their desire that the Himalyan nation should again be declared a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ as it was earlier,” he told TOI. A Hindu Nation in the past, Nepal declared itself secular after the end of monarchy and subsequent amendment in the Constitution.

Adityanath also wants that total ban on cow slaughter and religious conversion should also be included in the new constitution of Nepal. He has been demanding ban on cow slaughter and religious conversions in India as well. Known as the torch-bearer of Hindutva in eastern UP, the BJP MP often hits the headlines for his controversial polarizing remarks.

