The top leaders of the big three political parties have again called the agitating political parties from the Tarai-Madhesh and Tharu community and others for talks. The delineation of provinces can be changed, the three leaders said, urging the agitating ones to attend the ceremony to promulgate the new constitution.
At a special press conference held at Prime Minister's residence, Baluwatar, on the eve of the promulgation of the new constitution, on behalf of the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the UCPN (Maoist) on Saturday, NC President and Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal univocally said the demands made by the Tarai-Madhes and Tharu community have been addressed. They further said new constitution is not an irrevocable document, urging all to attend the celebration of constitution promulgation which is the even that comes once in a history. The Constituent Assembly meeting on September 16 passed the bill on Nepal's constitution-2015 with more than two-thirds majority, which was authenticated by the CA Chairman with signatures from all 537 CA members on Friday. President Ram Baran Yadav is scheduled to announce the promulgation of the new constitution on Sunday.
New constitution has encompassed achievements made thru long struggle: PM Koirala At the press conference PM Koirala said the new constitution has encompassed the achievements gained through long struggles. The new constitution has ensured the rights of all including the Dalit, indigenous, and women. It would pave the way for economic development with political stability, he added. Similarly, he called everyone to attend the celebration being united on the auspicious occasion of the promulgation of the new constitution. The constitution can't be irrevocable, PM Koirala reiterated. "The demands put forth by the Tarai-Madhesh and the Tharu community can be addressed through dialogue, I want to appeal to them again to come to negotiation," PM said. Responding to the journalists' query, the PM confirmed that the army had not been mobilized in Tarai-Madhesh. According to him, the life in the southern belt of the country was returning normal. He stressed the need of peace, development and prosperity in the country and expressed belief it will be fulfilled through the new constitution. Constitution is drafted in democratic process: Oli Similarly, CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli said the new constitution was drafted in line with the democratic method and process. The votes of majority should not be blocked by minority, he said, adding, "There is no reason for anyone to have discontent on it.” "The new constitution has incorporated the demands for republicanism, federalism, proportional representation and inclusiveness raised in the past and then why to be disappointed when the progressive constitution is in hands," he questioned the dissenting elements. The constitution is an amendable document and the number of provinces can go up or down as per the need of time and on the basis of consensus. Responding to journalists’ query about the message by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’ special envoy S Jaishanker, leader Oli said India is happy for the drafting of the constitution through a democratic process.
New constitution has institutionalized republican system to federalism: Maoist Chair Dahal Stating that the new constitution has addressed the issues demanded by the Tarai, Madhesh and Tharu community, UCPN (Maoist) Chairperson Dahal urged Madhesh and Tharu centric parties to participate in the constitution promulgation ceremony tomorrow. According to Chairman Dahal, the new constitution had incorporated the provisions related to the citizenship, determination of the constituency on the basis of population, concept of proportional representation and inclusiveness. He argued that since the constitution promulgation ceremony does not recur, it was wise to resolve the issues related to demarcation of province through the talks. "The new constitution has institutionalized republican system, hence there is nothing to be hurtful of," Dahal persuaded the dissenting Madhesh and Tharu centric political parties, "I believe that Madesh-centric political parties will call it quits to agitation and will be a part of the constitution promulgation celebration," he said. Dahal, also the former Prime Minister, expressed his confidence that the Madhesi community could also instill the sense of belongingness with the new constitution as a Commission formed to look into the demarcation of federal provinces will be taking into account recommendations during its execution. Present at the press meet were Nepali Congress General Secretary, Krishna Sitaula, CPN-UML Vice-Chairperson Bidya Bhandari, CPN-UML senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, Vice-Chairman Bhim Rawal and UCPN (Maoist) Vice-Chairperson, Narayankaji Shrestha. RSS
