CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said his party was against splitting Province 5 to form another federal state or to reshape the surrounding federal units.

“We are with the Nepali people. Separating Hill districts from Tarai in Province 5 is not the people’s demand. We won’t support the proposal prepared at the behest of a foreign force,” Oli said, addressing a state level gathering of the party in Butwal on Saturday.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has proposed creating an eighth province by splitting Province 5 to resolve the dispute over the federal boundaries. As per the proposal, Rolpa, Pyuthan, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Palpa, Rukum and Baglung could be taken out of the state to form Province 8.

Oli, a former prime minister, lashed out at the ruling parties saying that they were trying to amend the constitution before implementing it. “Constitution amendment won’t solve the nation’s political problems. It will rather create more troubles,” said the UML chief, warning that the efforts at statute amendment could affect the planned elections. He said the second largest party would not accept a provision of naturalised citizens holding top constitutional posts.

Jhala Nath Khanal, Bamdev Gautam and Ishwor Pokharel were among the leaders who addressed the event. Members of the district and state committees and sister organisations from across the province attended the programme.