Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has called on the Madhes-based political parties including the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) to participate in the second phase of local level elections slated for June 28, reiterating his commitment to amend the constitution after the polls.

Addressing the Legislature-Parliament in Kathmandu, PM Deuba made it clear that it would not be possible to amend the constitution before the second phase of local level elections slated for June 28. He acknowledged that the issues raised by the lawmakers were important indeed and stressed on the need to broaden the ownership of the new constitution.

“It is unfortunate that we can’t endorse the constitution amendment bill at the moment as the second phase of local level polls is approaching,” said PM Deuba, responding to questions raised by lawmakers at the Parliament.

Assuring the disgruntled parties of passing constitution amendment bill by incorporating the spirit of Madhes after the second phase elections, PM Deuba urged the agitating political parties including RJPN not to doubt his commitment on that and to support the government in holding the elections.

He noted that there is a slim chance of increasing the number local units as the Supreme Court has issued a stay order on the issue.

Deuba hoped that the opposition parties will also cooperate with the government in addressing the demands of Madhes-centric parties. 

The prime minister said that his government will focus its attention on implementing the new constitution and holding the elections—second phase local elections, provincial and federal assembly elections.

When the opposition party lawmaker enquired about the incident of tearing ballot papers in Bharatpur, PM Deuba said it was not the first time the ballot papers were torn. “But we haven’t said it was a right thing to do. I don’t think we need to speak much as the issue has reached the court,” said Deuba.