KATHMANDU, NOV 30 -
Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala , who is one of the strong contenders for prime ministership in the new government, has said the new national government should take all major forces on board, including the Mohan Baidya-led CPN-Maoist.
In an hour-long interview with the Post at his residence at Majarajgunj on Friday afternoon, Koirala sounded reluctant on discussing how the new government would take shape, as he stressed that his priority was on constitution writing.
“I have not given much priority to government formation. With cooperation from all political sections, those who won and lost (in the election), we should deliver the constitution within a year,” he said.
In a generous political gesture towards Mohan Baidya, he said his party was willing to offer more than 26 seats to the Maoist party in the new CA, bring on board the Cabinet and also hold a roundtable conference to accommodate its demands. “I think giving only 26 seats will be humiliating for them. We should think of more than that,” he said.
I am optimistic about the situation, said Koirala, adding, “We have very few issues to settle. Federalism and forms of government can be settled amicably, while we should go for fewer states in the beginning and the states should be authorised to name themselves.”
He also extended an olive branch to the UCPN (Maoist) and said that the party must come on board the national government.
Koirala, who met UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal this week, also offered the Maoist boss to join the new CA set-up and asked him to be part of a consensual government for the sake of the country.
He, however, said it was impossible to amend the Interim Constitution and introduce the “system of consensus politics” as demanded by the UCPN (Maoist).
“This was not enshrined in the constitution, but we successfully completed the integration of former Maoist combatants into the Army. My humble suggestion is that we should not touch the constitution. Touching it would mean opening a Pandora’s box,” he said. He also rejected the idea that President Ram Baran Yadav must be replaced. “I ask everyone to read the provisions in the constitution before debating over the president’s post.”
Koirala said his party will take ownership of all the work completed by the last Constituent Assembly and will not backtrack on the commitments made in the Interim Constitution. The constitution guarantees secularism, federalism and inclusiveness.
He said serious deliberations will be held both in the Constituent Assembly and outside on the new constitution by accommodating various sections like the business community, civil society, media, intellectuals and academicians.
Asked if the latest poll result meant the rise of the right in Nepali politics, the NC boss rejected the terminology and instead said it was the “rise of democracy, people’s right and democratic values.”
Koirala also hailed the support extended by the international community. “They are happy with the success of the November election and are ready to offer all kinds of support for Nepal’s economic development.”
In another context, he said foreign policy issues are in peril and that the country needs a national policy to determine the foreign,
economic and defence policies. “Every country has a national policy but we don’t. We must chalk out a national policy first by bringing all parties on board,” he said.
KOIRALA SPEAK
'All forces' will include Mohan Baidya-led CPN-Maoist
Constitution writing top priority
Party willing to offer more than CA 26 seats to Baidya and place in govt
UCPN (M) must come on board the national government
No amending Interim Constitution to introduce consensus politics system
President Ram Baran Yadav must not be replaced
Poll result means rise of democracy, people's right and democratic values
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