President says parties didn’t heed suggestion, dragged him into controversy

Online Khabar

Kathmandu, October 16. The Sushil Koirala government did not heed suggestion to postpone constitution promulgation for 10-15 days, President Ram Baran Yadav said.

President Yadav, inaugurating the NRNA conference in Kathmandu, made an impromptu speech before proceeding to his written speech. He used the opportunity to criticise then Prime Minister Koirala and major political parties.

“I said let’s give them [Madhesh-based parties] 10-15 days. Just because of that I was dragged into controversy,” said President Yadav.

“I just said give them some space, let’s extend the deadline by 7-15 days. The only reason I said so was to strengthen communal harmony. But neither the political parties nor the government heeded,” added President Yadav. The Head of the State said the major political parties should take initiatives to address Madhesh’s problems. “I would like to tell major political parties and the Parliament that this is our problem,” he added. “During the earthquake, we were able to unite. I want major political parties to play a role like the one the earthquake played to unite the country. This is my hope.”

President Yadav said people of Madhesh have been suffering for the last two months and even during the festive season, the people are worried.

‘Gave up dhoti, pajama for national unity’

“I was used to wearing dhoti, pajama, gamchha and kurta. But for the sake of national unity, I put on daura-suruwal, topi and travelled throughout Nepal,” he said.

“Seven years ago, I put on kurta, pajama, bandi (vest) and gamchhi (a kind of towell) and travelled throughout Nepal. Madheshi Nepali and Pahadi Nepai are brothers. This I learnt from Mahatma Ghandi. Wearing daura-suruwal, I have helped unite this country. I will continue to bring the country together in coming days too.”

‘Please visit the villages once’

The President urged NRN delegates from around the world to visit the villages once. He urged them to pay attention to basic necessities like schools in villages. He congratulated NRNA President Shesh Ghale and the newly-elected office bearers, and requested them to assist in post-earthquake reconstruction work.

We should resolve our problems on our own, said the President alluding to Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa’s planned visit to New Delhi starting Saturday. Referring to Thapa, who was also present at the function, President Yadav said, “I ask the government, the Deputy Prime Minister to resolve our country’s problems on our own. You are a skilled minister, and equally cable. Please deal with our neighbouring country diplomatically.”