UCPN (M) proposes to amend constitution

2 July, Kathmandu

The main opposition of the House Unified CPN (M) has proposed to amend the Interim Constitution in order to demarcate power of both President and Prime Minister Thursday.

The Maoists came up with this new proposal at a time when they were planning to head next national unity government after rectification of the President Dr Ram Baran Yadav’s unconstitutional move on CoAS reinstatement case. In a meeting called by the UCPN (M) at its parliamentary party office in Sinha Durbar, the Maoists threw the proposal for the amendment of the constitution, said NC PP leader Ram Chandra Poudel. The Maoists have agreed to untie current political deadlock if other parties are ready to redraft the constitution, but will not allow the President Dr Yadav to introduce the government’s plans and policies.

Both NC and UML have expressed concern over protracted House disruption with its toll on new budget to be passed. Present in the meet were Prachanda and Dr Baburam Bhattaria from UCPN (M), Ram Chandra Poudel and Bimalendra Nidhi from NC, UML President Jhalanath Khanal and Secretary General Ishwor Pokhrel among others. After the meet was over, minister for Information and Communications Shankar Pokhrel said that all leaders were positive on resolving the parliamentary stalemate which will be finalized by next meet slated for Friday.

Upon failure to forge consensus among parties, today’s parliamentary session was put off with a notice to resume the House meet again tomorrow.