National
Statute, Madhes to top agenda
Implementation of the newly adopted constitution and the party’s “concrete position” on Madhes will dominate discussions during the 13th General Convention of the Nepali Congress that takes place on March 3-6, according to party leaders.Implementation of the newly adopted constitution and the party’s “concrete position” on Madhes will dominate discussions during the 13th General Convention of the Nepali Congress that takes place on March 3-6, according to party leaders.
The party committee led by Acting President Ram Chandra Poudel is giving finishing touches to the political document to be presented at the convention. The policy is said to be focussed on the challenges of constitution implementation in a way to address the aspirations of Madhesis, women, Dalits and marginalised communities. Besides addressing the political demands of the Madhes-based parties, there was also the need to formulate a special social and economic plan for the development of the Tarai. There is pressure from Madhesi leaders of the party to be serious about the demands of the plains people, and to incorporate them in the constitution.
The document will also acknowledge the contribution made by the late Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala to the promulgation of the new constitution.
The NC claims that the process was led by the party as was the first amendment to the constitution. At the convention, the NC will announce to take a lead in implementing the new national charter.
However, committee members complained that there is a lack of intensive discussions inside the party on the political paper. Member Gagan Thapa said constitution amendment is obviously a prominent agenda but there is also the need for discussions on the party’s future course in the changed political context.
“The convention is nearing but there has been no debate and discussion across the country,” said Thapa. Committee members allege that, instead of internal debate, there is the monopoly of a few leaders over formulating the party’s policies and programmes. As Acting President Poudel and other top leaders remain busy in their election campaigns, they have not allocated sufficient time for discussions on the policy.
The NC has also pinned policy priority on social reforms. Discrimination against women, social stigmas and the hardships of the poor and marginalised communities are other key priorities of the party.
The Congress leadership faces criticism for not assigning due priority for ideological issues in its convention. Due to the leadership tussle between the rival factions, the policy issue has always taken a backseat.
On the country’s external affairs, the NC’s policy draft says there will be balanced and friendly relations with both of Nepal’s neighbours.
Youth leaders Gagan Thapa, Gururaj Ghimire and Pradeep Poudel have already unveiled a proposal to redefine the party ideology and to restructure its organisation.