KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala today said that it was a grave mistake of the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML to accept the idea of federalism without holding referendum. Minister Koirala said that they should have taken the feedback of the people before getting decided. She, however, accused that it was because of the undue pressure of Unified CPN-Maoist that they were compelled to accept the idea.

Minister Koirala at an interaction at Reporter's Club in Kathmandu told mediapersons that if possible a referendum should be held over federalism. If the people opted for federalism, the country should have five-six federal states, however, she added.

She opined that larger number of states would divide people instead of uniting them.

Furthermore, Minister Koirala urged the Maoists to go for power sharing in the government through the high-level political mechanism. Koirala claimed that the Maoists were positive to that end.

However, Koirala expressed fear that if he Maoists did not correct their unruly behaviour, a disaster was inevitable. "Although, the Maoists are resorting to different kinds of agitations, it will never augur well neither for the Maoist party nor for its leaders personally," she said.

Ultimately, they will have to embrace the idea of consensus, cooperation and unity, which NC President Girija Prasad Koirala has been reiterating for long, she added.

"It will be my final request to the Maoists to come to consensus," she said adding that people were fed-up from Maoists' irresponsible behaviour.”

Koirala noted that the Maoists may not be requested to come to consensus again and again.

Commenting on her recent China visit and India visit earlier, the DPM said that both India and China were keen to invest in developing infrastructure and water resources in Nepal but they were discouraged because of the instability and unrest created by the Maoists.Further China was in support of all parties working in unity for successful peace process in Nepal.