Kathmandu: Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda coordinator of the Nepal Communist Party and former prime minister said the present Parliament was built on the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs from across the country.

Addressing the House of Representatives on Monday Dahal said the Parliament building may appear to be made of cement, bricks and iron from the outside but its foundation is rooted in the sacrifices of countless martyrs.

“This rainbow Parliament, representing every class, caste, gender and community is the result of struggle and sacrifice. We once took up arms and launched movements for this inclusive representation,” he said.

Becoming emotional during his speech Dahal added that every wall of the Parliament carried the legacy of sacrifice and struggle.

He paid tribute to martyrs, disappeared persons, injured fighters and campaigners involved in armed movements, peaceful protests and recent youth led movements.

Dahal also congratulated Rastriya Swatantra Party for its electoral success saying the party had secured an “almost two thirds majority” in the election.

“I extend special congratulations to party president Rabi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Balen Shah for this achievement,” he said.

The leader elected from Rukum East also thanked voters and the Nepali people for their support.

Congratulating all newly elected lawmakers, Dahal said public representatives carried the responsibility of protecting the achievements gained through sacrifice and struggle.

He warned that forgetting the sacrifices behind the political transformation could weaken the very institution of Parliament itself.

“The day we forget those great sacrifices, this building itself will collapse,” Dahal said.