Former Chief Minister Mahendra Bahadur Shahi Defends Receiving Blessing from Traditional Healer Amidst Criticism

Surkhet. Former Chief Minister Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, a candidate from the CPN (UML) in Kalikot, has issued a clarification following criticism over a video showing him receiving blessings from a Dhami-Jhankri (traditional healer) during his election campaign.

During the campaign, candidate Shahi visited Khadabasti in Palanta Rural Municipality-1. In the video, a local deity's Dhami is seen placing his hand on Shahi's head, offering blessings for his election victory. Criticism arose linking this act to a deviation from communist ideology, especially considering the 10-year armed conflict, leading Shahi to issue the clarification.

Shahi stated that he has not deviated from communist ideology and that he was respecting local culture and public faith to bring the election campaign closer to the grassroots level.

'The local residents have interpreted this as respect for the cultural sensitivity and public sentiment of a representative,' Shahi said.

Shahi clarified that he remains firm in his commitment to materialistic and scientific communist philosophy. 'Rather than forcefully rejecting existing customs, traditions, and beliefs in society, gradual transformation is necessary,' he told Ratopati. 'Communist ideology is born from the people; an ideology that fails to understand the culture, feelings, and psychology of the people can never be strong.'

He added that even looking at the history of the communist movement, the path adopted has been one of dialogue and transformation, not confrontation with popular culture, public belief, and social reality.

He said, 'Yes, we raised our voice against superstition during the difficult periods of the people's war and movement; however, the consciousness level of the people varies.'

He concluded that the development of scientific thought is only possible through a long-term social process.