By Rup Narayan Dhakal—Pokhara: Prime Minister and CPN Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda Friday said that the reversal of federalism in Nepal was an impossible matter. Speaking in a press meet organized by Press Center Nepal Kaski in Pokhara, PM Dahal said that if anybody thinks that he could flip-flop the federalism that would be a big audacity and foolishness.
He however added that there is a tendency somewhere that some sides would like to reverse the federalism. According to PM Dahal, reversal of federalism alone is not impossible; secularism, inclusiveness and other achievement would also be reversed along the federalism. “Saying the nation goes back to follow the constitution of 2047 is also wrong and occult.” He said.
PM Dahal also said that the government was for local level elections before the provincial and general elections in the nation. He also made clear that it was not finalized that which system of election that we are going to adopt- whether existing or base on the report that is due to prepare by the government commission. He however added that is possible to have provincial and general election at once. But, according to him, as per the existing constitution, it is impossible to have general election prior to other elections.
“The Government is going to announce election date very soon”, he further said- we will do that after discussion among the political parties. He requested major opposition CPN-UML to withdraw the Butwal base agitation and also asked to lift the house disruption.
PM Dahal cautioned that the protest which is undergoing in Province Number V could lead to anti federalism if it is not settled in time. “This protest could be regressive and harmful to republic and federalism if CPN-UML thinks in time.”PM Dahal said. He also accused CPN-UML of pumping the people for agitation. PM Dahal however said that the protest and agitation in democracy is a natural phenomenon.
Dahal further said that the government won’t withdraw the constitution amendment bill that was registered in parliamentary secretariat. According to him, the bill could be amended after the tabling and discussion but could not be stopped or withdrawn. Dahal challenged especially to CPN-UML to fail the bill by 1/3 majority of lawmakers. “I won’t feel tension if the bill is failed,” Dahal further said the house should go smoothly to pass the laws related to elections. But, he also accused CPN-UML of showing an undemocratic nature, obstructing the house sessions.
PM Dahal claimed that the most of the Madhesi forces are ready to support the constitution amendment bill. Answering the query related to his property he owns, PM Dahal said he would be ready to be a hermit if somebody proves that PM has more property than he announced.
Leave a Reply