Miscellaneous
Govt registering amendment proposal unilaterally: Morcha
The Madhes-based parties have warned the government against registering a constitution amendment proposal unilaterally.The Madhes-based parties have warned the government against registering a constitution amendment proposal unilaterally.
Suspecting that the government was planning to table the proposal in Parliament without taking them into confidence, the regional parties said they would comment on the contents of amendment only after studying the final draft.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has announced to register a constitution amendment bill by Tuesday but the government has not held any consultation with the Madhesi leaders on the contents of amendment.
“We are in dark about the specifics. We were told that the proposal would address four of our concerns. That’s all we know,” said Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur.
Morcha leaders engaged in informal negotiations with the PM and some Cabinet ministers said the proposal would address issues related to the federal boundaries, citizenship, language, and representation in the upper house.
Interlocutors from the Madhesi parties said the PM informally proposed forming another province in the western Tarai stretching from Nawalparasi to Bardiya, while offering to end the dispute over five Tarai districts in the East and West through a commission. PM Dahal also appears willing to make changes to the provision pertaining to citizenship by removing the restriction on naturalised citizens to hold constitutional positions.
“It will leave enough space on both sides to negotiate further if the government incorporates these changes. But the problem is these are just informal proposals and there is no guarantee that the final draft will have them,” said a Sadbhawana Party leader. Morcha leaders expect a clear amendment proposal from the government on Monday. They are scheduled to hold a meeting with the PM and other leaders of the governing parties to settle the issues.
In its 11-point demand submitted to the government, the Morcha has demanded two provinces along the plains.