Dahal against statute from round-table conference

KATHMANDU, JUN 24 -

UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Saturday said that the idea of drafting a new constitution through a round-table conference and formation of a commission goes against the interests of the people. He said that his party was ready to seek alternatives within the Constituent Assembly (CA) to draft a new constitution.

The newly formed CPN-Maoist and a section of the civil society have argued that the new constitution should be drafted with a round-table conference or by forming a commission.

Dahal said that the party was ready to sacrifice anything for drafting a constitution that addresses the aspirations of the people.

“Our bottom-line is that the new constitution should be drafted from the CA. We can discuss the alternatives within this framework,” Dahal said, addressing a programme in the Capital. 

The Maoist chairman underlined the need for consensus among the parties on resolving contentious issues the constitution and the formation of a national unity government. He also said that his party would not abandon the identity-based federalism agenda. 

Addressing the split in the party, Dahal said people would not support the Mohan Baidya faction.

“They are working at the behest of some forces and will know the reality soon,” said Dahal. 

‘Begin work for full budget’

UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Saturday suggested Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun head the administrative process to bring a full-fledged budget.

He said attempts were under way to forge consensus with other parties to bring a full-fledged budget. Dahal’s remarks come at a time when the 27 political parties have been claiming that the caretaker government does not have the authority to present budget. Minister Pun, along with Finance Secretary Krishna Hari Baskota, had reached Dahal’s residence in Lazimpat this morning and requested him to create an environment to bring this fiscal year’s budget.

During the meeting, Secretary Baskota warned that the nation’s economic condition would be worsened if the budget was not announced timely. Pun has intensified discussions with leaders of various political parties to introduce a complete budget.