SLMM supports PM on consensus, change of govt

KATHMANDU, JUL 01 -

At a time when opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai as a precondition to reaching consensus, leaders of a key coalition partner—the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM)—have said that until there is consensus on issues of constitution-writing, including federalism, a change of government is “out of the question”.

Morcha leaders argue that rather than changing the government, parties need to forge consensus on constitution-writing and opt for a “package deal”. SLMM leaders Rajendra Mahato and Mahanta Thakur communicated this stand of theirs to Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala, who has been reaching out to the Madhesi alliance seeking consensus on pressing issues, including a change in government.

“First, the parties should draft a statute through consensus. Then, as per the past agreement, the NC can be given leadership of the government for promulgating the constitution,” said Mahato, who is also the chairman of the Sadbhawana Party. He also said that new CA election should be held unless there is consensus on reviving the dissolved Assembly. Sarvendra Nath Shukla, spokesman for the Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party, stressed that for the Madhesi Morcha a constitution through the CA—revived or newly elected—is “essential for addressing issues of Madhes”. Morcha leaders believe the starting point for consensus should be federalism. “However, if the CA is to be revived, it should be for a short period. An agreement should be reached on contentious beforehand,” said Shukla.

These remarks are in line with those of PM Bhattarai, who said on Saturday that if the Supreme Court allows, the dissolved CA could be revived. Other coalition partners have also maintained that they could agree to CA revival provided that the parties agree on contentious issues of constitution-writing. Echoing Mahato, Shukla said, “There should be a broader agreement on contentious issues, not just for changing the government.”

Yadav for parliamentary election

Madhesi Jana-dhikar Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav has suggested that Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai hold parliamentary election instead of another CA polls. During his meeting with the PM in Baluwatar, Yadav opined on Saturday that another CA election would be against public aspirations. Yadav pointed out the need for an apolitical government to hold parliamentary elections, arguing that a political government cannot ensure free and fair polls.

 


Source: http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/07/01/top-story/slmm-supports-pm-on-consensus-change-of-govt/356424/