CPN-UML Vice-Chairman Bhim Rawal has said that an interim statute and a political report on unification of CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) would be finalised by March 9. He made it clear that the broader unification between the two left parties would be announced by the third week of March.

Speaking at an interaction organised at the Reporters Club in the Capital on Tuesday, former Deputy Prime Minister Rawal said, “We will finalise the constitution and political report by March 9 and we will announce the unification in a massive way,” adding, “Most probably the unification will be announced by the third week of March. Therefore, we are intensifying our homework.”

On the occasion, he said that the general convention of the unified party would be held within one year after the unification.

“The taskforces of both the parties are doing necessary home work for the unification. We have already started to write the interim constitution and we are also working to prepare the political report side by side,” leader Rawal said.

Moreover, he expressed his confidence that the Cabinet would get a full shape soon.

According to him, the Cabinet would be expanded by brining Upendra Yadav-led Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal (SSFN) on board.

 “Our wish is to include most of the political parties in the government. The national unity will be strong if the things go as our plan. That’s why we are trying to include Upendra Yadav in the government,” he said. “But it’s not that the Cabinet will not be expanded without him, we just want to take him along.”

The CPN-UML Vice-Chairman said the expansion of the Cabinet would not be delayed any more. “There will not be any delay because we should also have to carry out preparation to unveil the budget for the next fiscal year. The budget should be unveiled on May 29.”

Meanwhile, he said that Yabaraj Khatiwada, who was appointed as Finance Minister on Monday, will play an instrumental role to accomplish the objective of the incumbent government as he is an expert of economics.

He further said that the issue about appointing the next President has not been finalised yet.

“We will hold discussions at the party’s Standing Committee meeting and also with the CPN (Maoist Centre) regarding the matter,” said Rawal.

Saying that he is in support of press freedom, he underscored that everyone should work on the basis of democracy and rule of law.