The Lok Raj Sangathan and Lok Shasan Aandolan organized a public meeting on the theme “Nepal-Road towards People’s Power and Challenges” on May 24, 2008. Activists from CGPI, CPI, SUCI, CPI(ML), CPI(ML)-Liberation, HMS, IFTU, Kamgar, Indian Airport Employees Union, Mahamumbai Shetakri Sangharsh Samiti, Jagrut Kamgar Manch, Yuva Bharat, RADA, Ekta, Indian Centre for Human Rights and Law, Kashtakari Mahila Sangathan,  Bhoomi Sena, Adivasi Ekta Parishad, Rationing Kriti Samiti and Kashtakari Hawkers Union participated in the meeting.

Dr. Mathew, the Mumbai Convenor of Lok Raj Sangathan, delivered the key note address. He dwelt on the historical experience of the 60 year long struggle against the monarchy in Nepal. Various imperialist powers had worked to strengthen the monarchy and crush the peoples strivings. The Indian state has historically played a hostile role towards the Nepali people’s struggle. Now, after years of struggle, in which thousands of people have sacrificed their lives, the Nepali people have successfully elected a Constituent Assembly which will not only elect the new government of Nepal, but write a new Constitution for Nepal.

Dr. Mathew elaborated on his experiences as an international observer in the Constituent Assembly elections. He pointed out that these elections showed the tremendous enthusiasm among the people. People had travelled on foot for miles in the hilly region, and were present at polling booths since 7 a.m.! He expressed confidence that the revolutionary forces and people of Nepal would retain their vigilance against the manoeuvres of the internal and external enemies in the coming period. He congratulated the revolutionary forces and people of Nepal for the glorious struggle they have waged, and wished them success in the great tasks ahead. Nepali Janadhikar Suraksha Samiti Maharashtra President Com. Devakar, pointed out that various imperialist powers are hatching plots to subvert the victorious struggle of the Nepali people. He declared that the people would not allow any such attempt to succeed. The Nepali people are fully aware that if the revolutionary political party goes out of control of people, then it degenerates. He called upon the Indian communists and progressive organisations to continue to support the struggle of the Nepali people in the coming period.

The representative of CGPI warned that the Indian government will continue to play a hostile role against the interests of the Nepali people. He pointed out that it will advance various arguments to justify its intervention against the Nepali people. He called upon all to expose such arguments, firmly oppose the Indian government’s anti Nepali acts, and stand firmly behind Nepali people. He also pointed out that it is high time for the Indian people to start taking steps towards creating people’s power in India, not only to rewrite the Constitution of India but also to create enabling mechanisms so that people can wield complete power. He congratulated the organisers for holding this important meeting.

Advocate Datta Patil, former leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, and Justice Kolse Patil (Retd.), a well known judicial activist of Maharashtra congratulated the people of Nepal for taking a brave step of electing a Constituent Assembly to write a new Constitution. Justice Patil pointed out that the Indian Constitution was written by a Constituent Assembly which was elected not by all Indian people but by a minority of propertied and educated people and that too, under colonial supervision.

Com.Vilas Sonawane, from Lok Shasan Andolan, who was also an international observer during the Nepal elections, concluded the meeting. The meeting ended with all the participants expressing their full support to the struggle of the Nepali people.