NC flays ruling parties for dragging feet

KATHMANDU, July 24: The Nepali Congress (NC) has accused Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal and the ruling coalition of dragging their feet over implementation of the five-point deal reached between the parties before extension of the Constituent Assembly (CA) term on May 28.



The main opposition said the ruling parties have not made sincere efforts to expedite the constitution drafting and peace process even after the extension of the CA term.[break]

 

“You (PM) had promised to expedite the peace process and constitution writing by bringing the Maoists on board the government. Why is that not happening? I need answers from the prime minister,” NC parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Paudel questioned at the parliament meeting on Sunday.



He urged the prime minister to step down to pave way for formation of national consensus government. The prime minister had agreed to step down in the five-point deal.



Paudel also fiercely criticized the ruling UCPN (Maoist) of obstructing the peace process. He said the Maoists decision to appoint party´s military in-charge is entirely against the agreements they reached with the government in the past.



“The government and the Maoist leadership had jointly announced handover of the Maoist combatants to the special committee,” Paudel said. “Appointment of military in-charge clearly indicates that the Maoists are not sincere toward advancing the peace process.”



Paudel also criticized the Maoists´ decision to appoint new ministers in the cabinet. “While the prime minister should have stepped down to pave the way for the formation of a new government, the Maoists have decided to reshuffle the cabinet. This is against the five-point deal,” he said.



Paudel held the prime minister responsible for all activities against past agreements and for not advancing the peace process and constitution writing. He said the NC will wait and see for few a days but won´t wait for long.



NC to pile pressure on PM to step down



NC Parliamentary Party meeting held at Singha Durbar Sunday afternoon decided to adopt all measures to pile pressure on the Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal to step down.



Leaders at the PP meeting accused the government of trying to extend its term instead of making serious efforts to conclude constitution drafting and peace process.



“The commitment made by prime minister in the five-point deal to tender resignation has already been endorsed by parliament. Lack of progress over the implementation of the five-point deal and delay in resignation of the prime minister has questioned the sanctity of parliament,” said a press statement issued after the PP meeting.



The meeting concluded that the prime minister must step down to drive forward the peace process and expedite constitution drafting process by creating an environment of national consensus.



The NC has also sought support from parties including the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) to exert pressure on the ruling parties to implement the five-point deal.



Among other things, the PP meeting also urged the government not to randomly transfer government employees. It has asked the government to revoke the transfers made against the existing Civil Service Act and Regulations.

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