UML appeals all to help implement statute

Kathmandu, September 17

The CPN-UML has appealed to all, from the general public to major political parties and the government, to contribute from their respective sides in implementing the new constitution by holding elections on time.

At a press meet organised here today to inform about the party’s activities to mark the first Constitution Day, the party shared that it was determined to protect and implement the constitution drafted on the foundation of Nepali people’s sacrifice.

“Our party’s determined efforts gave the country a democratic statute,” read a statement distributed on the occasion. Stating that the basic principles of social justice, equal access of all people to the State, progressive transformation of the State have been adopted in the statute, the press release said that the party was proud of the the leadership role it played in the promulgation of the new constitution.

The country is observing the first anniversary of the promulgation of the constitution on September 19.

The CPN-UML asserted that conspiracies were being hatched to not allow the constitution, promulgated in the presence of more than 90 per cent of people’s representatives, to be implemented, and that it was natural for necessary amendments to surface given the complexities in implementing the constitution.

The press release states, “It is impossible to imagine the new constitution neglecting any communities, or sectors given the structure of the Constituent Assembly, the practice of inclusion adopted, and the need of hour.”

Claiming that those who were against the constitution in the first place were now voicing the need to amend the constitution, the statement has said that the constitution was only a means to institutionalise republicanism, federalism, secularism, and inclusion achieved through the 2006 people’s movement. The door to economic prosperity, social justice and justifiable development as envisioned by the constitution would open only after elections at all three levels are held, the statement said.

“We (UML), as representatives of the people, got this constitution, and we will take its ownership. We stand firmly to safeguard and implement it,” the press release added.

On the occasion, UML General Secretary Ishwar Pokharel said the party did not wish to differ with others while observing the Constitution Day as the national festival.

On a different note, Pokharel said Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who supposedly received Indian support to become the PM, has still failed to win India’s support for the constitution.

The CPN-UML will mark its first anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal on September 19.

‘Constitution can’t be amended for outsiders’

Kathmandu, September 17

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that Nepal’s constitution could not be amended to fulfil the interests of ‘outsiders’.

Inaugurating the Motidevi Elderly Home at Nagarjun Municipality -10 today, Chairman Oli said amendment to the constitution must be acceptable to all Nepali people.

“Questions have been raised over the acceptability of the new constitution because it was written by making various compromises,” he said.

Oli said he was surprised at efforts being made to amend the constitution.  “Nepali people will always fight for national interest,” said the former prime minister. The UML chairman said internal issues of the country should be dealt with by Nepali people themselves and not by others. He accused the government of pushing the country towards confrontation and conflict.

On the occasion, Vice-chairman of the party Asta Laxmi Shakya said the ideals of Moti Devi Shrestha could lead us toward socio-economic transformation.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Dhyan Govind Ranjit spoke on the role of Moti Devi in the communist movement. The elderly home was built at the cost of Rs 7 million. Displaced elderly people would be given shelter in the home.