Kathmandu, November 27
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said he is not sure whether Constitution amendment can solve current problems.
He said this during a meeting with a delegation of indigenous nationalities under Padhma Ratna Tuladhar. During the meeting with PM Prachanda at Baluwatar, the delegation asked him to incorporate indigenous nationalities’ issues during the Constitution amendment process. On his part, Prachanda requested indigenous nationalities to help him. Prachanda said he was trying to address demands of all sides through the State Restructuring Commission.
I am trying to amend the Constitution on the basis of an all-party understanding, Prachanda said, pointing at the absence of an enabling environment for the same. Indigenous leader Ang Kaji Sherpa, who was part of the delegation, said: The Congress party itself is not on the same page when it comes to amendment. In such a situation, PM hinted that he is against registering a Charter amendment proposal if the Madheshi Morcha (United Democratic Madheshi Front) does not take part in the process.
Prachanda reportedly said he is for moving ahead by forming an all-powerful state restructuring commission.
Ruling coalition partners should prepare an amendment proposal on the basis of an understanding and get it through the Parliament, he said. Prachanda added: If that’s not possible, I will register a proposal in the House in the capacity of PM.
On their part, indigenous leaders said the commission should have the authority to name the provinces, outline their boundaries and fix the number of provinces.
Prachanda said such a commission will have the mandate to resolve issues like boundaries in a manner that is agreeable to all.
At the meeting, indigenous leaders from Tharu and Magarat regions of Province 5 expressed dissatisfaction over the bid to split Province 5.
