Kathmandu, August 27

Although the prime minister wants to move a constitution amendment bill before he embarks on his India visit in mid-September, the ruling parties have not yet started formal dialogue with the United Democratic Madhesi Front and other stakeholders.

The ruling parties are, however, holding informal talks with the UDMF.

The Nepali Congress and the CPN-MC had committed to seeking a resolution to the demands of the agitating forces through constitutional amendment in the three-point agreement signed with the Federal Alliance.

Chakrapani Khanal, political adviser to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal told THT that the PM was committed to tabling a constitutional amendment bill in the Parliament before his visit to India.

The PM and Deuba held talks with Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal Chair Upendra Yadav and Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Chair Mahantha Thakur yesterday.  Informal talks are being held at different levels, a UDMF leader told THT.

Yadav told THT that the PM had assured he would try his best to move a constitutional amendment bill before he left for India.  “We are flexible regarding our demands and have agreed to get them addressed through amendment to the constitution,” Yadav said. He, however, said the amendment should satisfy Madhesis and other marginalised communities.

TMDP Spokesperson Sarvendranath Shukla said the government had expressed willingness to show flexibility and if it didn’t backtrack, the stakeholders would be able to resolve the political problems.

Sadbhawana Party Chair Rajendra Mahato said the ruling parties had not intensified efforts to move a constitutional amendment bill yet. Mahato said if the NC and the CPN-Maoist forged consensus with the UDMF on issues of constitutional amendment and moved a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament that would put pressure on the UML to support the bill.

“All three big parties — the NC, CPN-UML and CPN-MC — made mistakes while drafting the constitution. Now, if the NC and CPN-MC realise their mistakes and table a constitution amendment bill in the Parliament, that will put pressure on the UML to support the bill,” he added.

Mahato said if the UML still did not support the bill, it would lose its support in Madhes. He stressed that the major stakeholders needed to agree on carving two provinces in Madhes; treating population as the primary criterion for representation in the Upper House; and retaining the Interim Constitution’s provision with regard to matrimonial  naturalisation and the rights of naturalised citizens and citizens by birth.

Mahato said there were unnecessary clusters for reservation such as farmers and labourers, which needed to be removed. He said all languages, cultures and customs should enjoy constitutional recognition.

A UDMF source  said at least 52 Articles needed to be amended  to address the UDMF’s key concerns.