Speaking at a programme organised at the Capital on Wednesday, UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal said that everyone’s demands could not be incorporated in the constitution. “It is impossible. Everyone’s demands cannot be written in the constitution,” he said, “It should be amended according to the needs and demands.”

Leader Nepal suggested the UCPN (M) not to be worried about the current majority of NC and UML, rather win people’s mandate and amend as per their needs in the drafted constitution. He remarked that the UCPN (M) was worried because it lacked numerical strength in CA.

The UML senior leader further stated that there will be no compromise on the notion of ethnic federalism and separating the Tarai region from the hilly region. Leader Nepal said despite the differences, NC and UML were still working in tandem due to their common stance on issues of national unity, diversity and inclusion.

Also during the programme, NC General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula said that the constitution, unlike a religious text, could be amended after gathering people’s mandate. He remarked that the participation of all fringe parties in the process of consensus is important as everything cannot be done alone by the four major parties.

Sitaula expressed his concern that the constitution cannot be drafted within January 22 with the ongoing disputes among parties. He said that a ‘fast-track’ model should be adopted amending the Constituent Assembly regulations and schedule.