Madhes-based parties have said that the government should table the amendment proposal regardless of the main opposition CPN-UML’s position on resolving the disputes over the constitution.

Objecting to the government’s plans to table the amendment proposal only after receiving green signal from the UML, the regional parties have said that the alleged non-cooperation from the UML should not hinder the amendment related works.

Madhesi leaders said that the government should first forward a proposal to resolve the row over the constitution before approaching the UML for support.

The governing Maoist Centre and Nepali Congress, which had earlier pledged to register the amendment proposal regardless of the UML’s stance, are now saying that the support of the second largest party was necessary for the purpose.

NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba on Sunday said that the amendment proposal would be tabled with support of the UML.

“How can you blame UML when the government has not put forward any proposal of its own? What is stopping the ruling parties to bring forward its proposal,” said Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato.

But it is still too early to doubt on the sincerity of the government, Mahato said, adding that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal appeared positive about tabling the proposal soon.

“Last week, PM Dahal told me that the government would initiate the negotiation soon. I hope that they will stick to their words,” said Mahato.

The Madhesi Parties are dissatisfied with PM Dahal after he did not put forth the government’s position on the list of changes the parties had recommended in the informal discussions. During a meeting with PM Dahal last week, Madhesi leaders had forwarded their position to find a consensus on the disputed issues of the constitution. 

Co-chairman of the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal Rajendra Shrestha said that they would wait for a government decision for some more time.

“We supported this government after UML refused to address our concerns. The ruling parties should not step back from the commitments made in the three-point agreement with the Gathabandan,” said Shrestha. 

The government is working to form a panel to negotiate on the disputed issues of the constitution to register the proposal within self-imposed deadline of October-end.

The Sanghiya Gathaba- ndan, an alliance of Madhesi and Janajati forces, on Monday formed a committee to negotiate on the disputed issues of the constitution.

The governing parties want to engage the UML from the beginning of the negotiation process to ensure broader ownership, as they fear obstacles from the opposition in Parliament.

Registering the amendment proposal is just the first step towards addressing the concerns raised by the agitating Madhesi and Janajati forces. But UML’s support in Parliament will be crucial for its endorsement.

The UML has not ruled out the possibility of the amendment, but has been insisting that the major parties should justify its significance. UML leaders have said that the party would make its position clear after going through a draft of amendment.

“We would first see the draft of the proposed amendment before making comment. The government should let us know what it is planning to do and why,” UML leader Agni Kharel told the Post.

There is a serious gulf between the major parties over the need of revision of federal boundaries—one of the key demands of the agitating Madhes-based parties. The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, has long been calling for a revision of provincial boundaries with at least two provinces in the Tarai plains.

Justify statute revision: Oli

KATHMANDU: Former prime minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli on Monday questioned the “significance” of amending the statute.

Addressing the media at Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival from Thailand, Oli urged the government to clarify the significance of amending the constitution.

“Constitution is not subject to amendment under someone’s pressure or provocation and against the national interest,” Oli said, adding that the government has already amended the constitution as per the demands of the Madhesi parties. “I am not aware of their other demands.” (PR)