Maoist-UDMF and NC-UML polarized over settlement of disputes
KATHMANDU, May 25: A meeting of the three major political parties–UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML– along with United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) held at the prime minister´s office in Singha Dubar has concluded on Friday.
During the meeting, Maoist and UDMF leaders insisted that a new constitution without specifying names and delineation of federal states in it will not be acceptable to them, Maoist Vice-chairman Narayankaji Shrestha told reporters after the meeting.
The Maoist and UDMF leaders at the meeting stressed that the federal models as recommended by both majority and minority members of the Constituent Aseembly thematic committee and State Restructuring Commission be taken to CA full house for voting, according to him.
However, leaders from NC and UML maintained their stance against taking the issues to CA for their final settlement. ” We have spent the past couple of years trying find consensual resolution of the disputed issues. So how can we all of a sudden agree to the idea of putting the issues to CA vote?” said NC leader Ram Sharan Mahat after the meeting.
NC leaders are further said to have told other leaders that if names and delineation of provincial states are to be decided through CA voting, other issues related to system of governance should also be settled in a similar manner.
Talking to reporters, Maoist leader Shrestha also said NC and UML will have to take the responsibility in case the CA dissolves without being able to promulgate the new constitution.
Reacting to Shrestha´s comment, UML leader Bamdev Gautam said it is the ruling party (the Maoist party) that should be held responsible if the CA dissolves not being able to meet its deadline on May 27.
The latest differences among the major political parties have surfaced at a time when only less than three days are now remaining for CA to promulgate the new constitution.
The Supreme Court on Thursday issued an interim order against the government bid to extend the CA term by three months.republica
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