CPN-UML senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal has said Indian President Pranab Mukherjee spoke beyond his jurisdiction by advising Nepali leaders to amend Nepal’s constitution. Khanal was referring to comments made by the Indian president during his recent three-day state visit to Nepal.

Khanal said that it is the internal matter of Nepali people to decide what kind of constitution Nepal needs and where it needs amendment and Mukherjee should not intervene into these issues.

Speaking at an interaction programme organised by Press Chautari-Rupandehi chapter on Monday, he accused leaders affiliated to the agitating Madhesi Morcha of seeking constitutional positions to naturalised citizenship holders and different states separating hills and Tarai. Such demands have been raised without comprehending the ground realities and necessity of our country, he said, adding that the UML would not agree on any provisions that compromise the nationality in the name of constitution amendment.

Refusing to give away constitutional positions like President, Vice President, prime minister, chief ministers to holders of naturalised citizenship, Khanal declared that the UML was against creating states separating Madhes and hills.

“UML is ready to work with any party for the protection of socialism, establishment of democracy, nationality and integrity of the country,” he said.