The major ruling partners, the main opposition party and the Rastriya Janata Party (RJP) Nepal have tentatively agreed to move ahead by amending the constitution.
A meeting held among the Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Centre), CPN (UML) and RJP Nepal took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence Baluwatar tentatively agreed to present a proposal related to the constitution amendment in the upcoming parliament meeting, seeking an endorsement, leaders present in the meeting told media persons after the meeting. The meeting was summoned by Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
During the meeting that was attended by top leaders of the four political parties, the main opposition CPN (UML) was urged to be flexible regarding its stance over the amendment issues.
The government is to re-table a constitution amendment proposal in the next meeting of Legislature-Parliament scheduled to take place on coming May 18.
The meeting allocated the responsibilities of holding talks with major political parties to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba and PM Dahal for garnering a two-thirds majority to pass a proposal.
“The heads of NC and CPN (MC) are expected to intensify talks with the main opposition and other political parties from today itself at the backdrop of the today’s four-party meeting,” said CPN (MC) leader Dinanath Sharma while emerging from the meeting. According to him, political parties have almost agreed to go ahead by amending the constitution.
The meeting also dwelt on the issues of holding the May 14 and June 14 local-level elections in a cordial atmosphere. In the meeting, leader Deuba and PM Dahal specially urged the main opposition to support in amending the constitution, calling upon the Madhes-centric parties to gear up for the election, as stated by leader Sharma.
UML not against amendment: Gautam
Likewise, briefing the media about the meeting affairs, CPN (UML)’s vice-chairman Bamdev Gautam said the political parties present in the meeting exchanged views on the constitution amendment issue in a cordial way.
“The CPN (UML) is not against the constitution amendment. Its stance is that the amendment should be all-acceptable and the party will support in this regard.” According to him, the party has objection to some points in the amendment proposal. Party parliamentary deputy-leader Subash Nembang was also present in the meeting.
We are cheated and persuaded: Mahato
RJP leader Rajendra Mahato reiterated that only constitution amendment would pave the way for the party to participate in the polls. “Ruling party leaders only assure of the amendment, but when it takes place? We have clarified at the meeting that we would not be part of the May 31 polls if we are betrayed again,” he said.
He also accused the government of not addressing their demands including of declaring those killed during the Tarai-Madhes movements martyr, providing compensation and releasing those arrested during the movements.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Bimalendra Nidhi and RJP leader Anil Jha.
