Bhattarai said time was not ripe to celebrate the new constitution because the constitution had failed to include half the population in the drafting process, adding that people of Tarai-Madhes, Tharuhat and Magarat were still struggling for their rights. “We will celebrate with Deepawali after bringing our disgruntled brothers and sisters in the agreement,” he commented.

However all other leaders including UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed joy. Dahal said gone are the days when monarchs used to promulgate the constitution. Dahal added that the issues of disgruntled parties would be resolved through dialogue as their demands were few and not difficult to address. “They should first wish for stability, constitution and prosperity of Nepal then their issues can be resolved.”

CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli said it was a day of great happiness for all Nepalis in the world. “The dream of Nepali people drafting a constitution through their representatives has come true today,” he said. He called it a huge achievement. On Madhesi parties, Oli said consensus was not possible in a democratic process, but all the parties would come to the political mainstream gradually.

NC Vice-president Ramchandra Paudel said the people had received their rights through this constitution. Poudel called this the most progressive constitution in South Asia and appealed to all the groups to resolve the problem through dialogue.

Senior UML leader Madhav Nepal said, “They should realise the loss of leaving the constitution drafting process and come with their issues peacefully,” He said there are ways to resolve their issues, but for this they should come to the negotiating table.