As country waits for the promulgation of Constitution of Nepal 2072 on Sunday, it should be noted that UCPN (Maoist) played a pivotal role in ensuring the constitution through Constituent Assembly. It was our main agenda. The achievement we have had in breaking years of political deadlock is a symbol of gradual changes that the victorious 10-year Maoist’s movement had advocated and fought for.

I was part of both the first and second CA where the latter had a gigantic task of making constitution in the shadow of the failure of former. Had we not been able to promulgate constitution from this CA, it would mean prolonging the transition and deepening the crisis in the country. It would have also meant trying to fizzle out the entire progresses that our persistent efforts had made. With the success, it has also broken the familiar trend in Nepali leadership which has failed to institutionalise progresses rendered through uprisings and protests.   

Now as we are ready to embrace the new constitution, I have mixed feelings. I am happy that the leadership has been able to bring constitution after long political turmoil. However, the ongoing violent protest in various parts of Terai makes me sad.

There are still many tasks that need completion. Many things need refinement or should be added through amendments in the constitution in future.

Substantial compromise by our party made this constitution possible. We still have our own reservations in forms of governance and others. In the constitution making process we agreed on many issues while also putting forth our disagreements. However, this did not hinder the entire process. What we achieved and what we lost is up for interpretation. Having said that, major reforms that we demanded for long have already been addressed including republic nation, federal demarcation of the country. The inclusion issue, although a little weak, too is in decision making processes. All of these agendas were carried by the Maoist’s revolt and the issues are now addressed.

Nonetheless, there are implementation challenge for the constitution. The present forms of government lies in a shaky ground and that might bring in more instability. In case of the federal divisions, the demarcation issue is yet to be addressed. It is really sad that issues of Tharus, get to find its place in constitution. This also remained a major cause for the violence in the districts. Under these premises, the challenges are in plethora while implementing constitution. There is however threats from secessionists and regressive forces. So the government should still engage more with these forces so as to ease its implementation in the future.

To ease the way ahead, the government should hold talks with disgruntled groups and bring them onboard. We could still address the issue of social justice through the proportional and inclusive representation. We had first agreed to form the eight provinces then it was limited to six provinces. We should have stuck to eight provinces where the issues of Tharus and Karnali could be addressed. All of these issues should be resolved through amendments in upcoming days.

The 16-point agreement envisioned the national unity government. ALl the national forces should work together. The constitution was made in wide consultation however, the National Reconstruction Authority was not.

To address the entire issues, a national unity government would be the best means, at least for now.

Pokhrel is a UCPN (Maoist) Cheif Whip. (As told to Manish Gautam)