Nepali Congress Issues Five-Point Directive to Subordinate Bodies on National Flag Usage Amid Scrutiny

Kathmandu. The Nepali Congress has issued a five-point circular to its subordinate committees regarding the use of the national flag. The party's central office informed that Deputy President Bishwa Prakash Sharma issued the circular on Monday to the party's provincial committees, district committees, House of Representatives, Provincial Assembly constituency committees, and other party bodies.

The Congress issued the circular to its party units after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement on Sunday drawing attention to the use of the national flag, mentioning that action would be taken if improper use is found.

In the circular, Deputy President Sharma stated that only up to 10 national flags should be used in election campaign activities as mentioned in the election code of conduct.

The circular also directed against wrapping the flag around the arms, waist, or neck. Point number 4 of the directive states, 'Wrapping the flag around the arm, waist, or neck like a jacket or muffler by any candidate or campaigner is not honoring the flag but insulting it; this must absolutely not be done/allowed.'

It was directed not to fly the national flag above the party flag and election symbol at program venues, campaign offices, or on any vehicle, and not to drape the flag over any person's body, as this is wrong from the perspective of both the election code of conduct and respect/etiquette.

The points mentioned by Sharma in the circular are as follows:

1. Use only up to 10 national flags in election campaign activities as mentioned in the code of conduct.

2. Hoist the national flag respectfully above the head of a person.

(We need to keep in mind the fact that lowering the flag is only done in mourning after death)

3. Draping the flag over the body of any candidate or campaigner is wrong from the perspective of both the election code of conduct and respect/etiquette. This must absolutely not be done/allowed. (The practice of draping the flag over the body of a deceased person during a funeral procession with national honor or before lighting the pyre is customary, and this fact must be kept in mind)

4. Wrapping the flag around the arm, waist, or neck of any candidate or campaigner like a jacket or muffler is insulting the flag, not honoring it; this must absolutely not be done/allowed.

5. When flying the national flag at a program venue, campaign office, or on any vehicle, it must be flown above the party flag and election symbol.