KATHMANDU, June 6: The newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Rajendra Mahato has said that his statements were distorted and misinterpreted. Shortly after assuming his office as a minister, Mahato had said that a multi-nation state should be established, drawing widespread criticisms from across the country. 

In a statement issued on Saturday night, Deputy Prime Minister Mahato said that his statement had been distorted and misinterpreted. He said in a statement: "I have taken serious note of the misrepresentation and misinterpretation of yesterday's statement.”

As mentioned in Article 3 of the Constitution, Mahato said Nepal as a state embraces the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious, multi-cultural characteristics, common aspirations in geographical diversity and the belief that Nepal's national independence, geographical integrity, national interest and prosperity. “I have expressed my intention that all castes, castes, classes, communities, religions and genders are a common nation,” he said in the statement. "I will put forward our views in the task force formed to amend our constitution to address our grievances. I am fully committed to national unity and territorial integrity and want to make it clear that no one should be confused about this.”

 
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