Rajendra Lingden, Chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), said on Saturday that socialist and communist ideologies have failed and that countries around the world are increasingly shifting toward nation-first principles.
Speaking at a program in Kathmandu, Lingden stated that traditional philosophical doctrines such as socialism and communism, which once divided societies and the global order, have already proven unsuccessful. He argued that the global trend is now moving toward prioritizing national identity, tradition, and sovereignty.
“Society was once divided, and the world was divided, based on those philosophical concepts. But those doctrines have failed. The world is now moving toward the belief that my tradition and my nation come first,” Lingden said.
He added that major countries are advancing under similar principles and are being guided by nation-first approaches.
Conservatism as the Path Forward
Lingden said his party has adopted conservatism as its guiding ideology, describing it as the appropriate path to both build and protect the country.
He stated that change should be sustainable and continuous rather than abrupt. “Building a roof without laying the foundation does not work. It harms the nation and harms society,” he said, emphasizing that transformation must be gradual, durable, and rooted in established foundations.
According to Lingden, conservatism—regardless of the name it may be given—fundamentally centers on protecting national tradition while ensuring long-term and stable development. He said the way forward for the country is conservatism.
Citizenship for Non-Resident Nepalis
During the same program, Lingden also said there should be no hesitation in granting citizenship by descent to Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs). He stated that providing citizenship on the basis of lineage should not be viewed negatively and indicated that such a move would not undermine national interests.
Lingden’s remarks come amid ongoing political discourse in Nepal regarding ideological direction and citizenship policy.
