NC leaders said they are now left to choose one of the two alternatives as the promulgation of new constitution is almost impossible within May 28 deadline due to Maoist dilly-dallying. [break]
Addressing an interaction organized by Nepal Students´ Union (NSU) to mark its 40th anniversary, NC General Secretary Bimalendra Nidhi said new constitution cannot be promulgated until the peace process is concluded and Maoist cantonments are vacated. “The Comprehensive Peace Accord has clearly spelled out that new constitution will be promulgated after concluding the peace process,” he said.
Nidhi said the future politics of the country will largely hinge on these two critical issues. “While we want to promulgate new constitution after concluding the peace process, the Maoists insist on formation of a Maoist-led government,” he added.
Vice President Prakash Man Singh said it would be better to extend CA tenure following a due democratic process. “We need to find way out of the problem through a democratic process,” he said.
He, however, said that going for fresh election would not be a good idea as the Maoists still control the villages with their terror tactics making it impossible to hold fair elections.
Another Vice President Gopal Man Shrestha argued that parties need to be cautious and muster strength to fight back as the Maoists have threatened to promulgate new constitution from the streets. “The country is likely to reach a critical situation if the new constitution is not promulgated within the set date,” he said.
NC Acting President Sushil Koirala alleged that the Maoists´ undemocratic stance relating to various issues in the new constitution has made it impossible to promulgate new constitution on time. “There will be no problem if the Maoists abide by the peace accord,” he said.
NC Joint General Secretary Dr Ram Sharan Mahat alleged that the Maoists were conspiring to impose authoritarianism in the country. “Nepali Congress cannot settle for a non-democratic constitution,” he said. “It is better late than never.”
Addressing the function, NC leaders expressed concern over weakening party base among the youths. They suggested that the NSU leadership hold fresh general convention to give new momentum to the student body.
koshraj@myrepublica.com
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