Talking to media persons in Pokhara, caretaker Prime Minister Bhattarai argued that CA reinstatement is not possible. “It would not be appropriate to reinstate the CA to satisfy the whims of some people,” said Bhattarai “The CA cannot be revived against the Supreme Court verdict.”[break]
Stating that there is no provision in the interim constitution on CA revival, Bhattarai said, “Even the president does not have the powers to revive CA. We cannot revive the CA constitutionally. So, there is no alternative other than to go for fresh polls,” he said.
Bhattarai also argued that CA reinstatement would not be acceptable to the people. “People will not accept CA revival as we failed to draft the new constitution even in four years,” he said, adding that non-democratic forces could make a comeback if the parties continue their protests against the government. Bhattarai also asked political parties not to choose the path of confrontation in the name of fresh CA election.
“The only alternative for democracy is an improved democracy,” he said adding that non-democratic forces may try to fish in troubled waters if the parties choose the path of confrontation.”
Stating that the political parties were exerting “psychological pressure” on him by demanding his resignation, Bhattarai said, “I am confident that the parties would not let the past achievements go in vain,” he said.
Arguing that the current government is strictly run in accordance with the interim constitution, he said, “It is a different case altogether if there is a political consensus. Otherwise, there is no possibility of forming another government.”
Defending his announcement of fresh CA election date, he said, “The country would have seen further tension had not the government announced fresh CA polls. The government has offered a democratic alternative,” he said.
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