Miscellaneous
UML, UCPN (M) say PM didn’t take them into confidence
Though the CPN-UML and the UCPN (Maoist) were little disappointed that Prime Minister Sushil Koirala did not announce his resignation in Parliament on Friday, the two major parties believe that the executive head effectively made way for a new government.Though the CPN-UML and the UCPN (Maoist) were little disappointed that Prime Minister Sushil Koirala did not announce his resignation in Parliament on Friday, the two major parties believe that the executive head effectively made way for a new government.
The PM did not utter the word “resignation” but said he would urge President Ram Baran Yadav to begin the procedure for electing a new prime minister.
On Koirala’s instruction to the Law Ministry to present a constitution amendment proposal in a bid to pacify the agitating Madhesi parties, UML chief Whip Agni Kharel said the PM’s “hasty” announcement had surprised them.
Asked if the party would object to an amendment proposal, Kharel refused to divulge the party’s plans saying that they were informed about it only during the parliamentary session.
Maoist leaders also said Koirala’s exit would have been graceful if he had used the word “resignation” in his address, after completing the historic task of constitution writing. However, the President’s call to begin government formation validated his move as resignation, said Maoist leader Giriraj Mani Pokharel.
He voiced dissatisfaction at the amendment proposal move without consulting parties involved in promulgating the new constitution and those agitating ones. “What will happen if the agitating parties refuse it and continue to protest in Tarai?” asked Pokharel.
A talks team of second-rung leaders from the major parties has been discussing the demands with the agitating Madhesi forces. “It would have been better if the announcement had followed an agreement in writing with the agitating parties,” Kharel said.
The UML, however, has construed the PM’s statement as resignation. “Whatever the word he used in his address, we understand it as his resignation,” said UML Vice-chairman Bhim Rawal.
Before Koirala’s election as the new prime minister in February last year, the NC and the UML had informally agreed to hand over the government leadership to the second largest party after constitution promulgation. The UML cites the “gentlemen’s agreement” to claim the leadership of the new consensus government and face problems in statute implementation together.
Maoist leader Pokharel said the government should be led by the UML as the NC is leading the incumbent government.
Sources close to the UML said the party would make efforts to lead even a majority government if its bid to piece together a consensus Cabinet fails.