Kathmandu, August 24

The CPN-UML has said that the debate on constitutional amendment is objectionable and meaningless.

UML’s statement comes at a time when the ruling parties are preparing to register a constitution amendment bill in the Parliament to address demands of the United Democratic Madhesi Front and the Federal Alliance.

Issuing a press release at a press conference organised to inform about the decisions of its Standing Committee meeting, the UML said amendment to the constitution was the country’s internal matter and it could happen when the political parties felt the need for the same.

“The law of the land cannot be amended because of unnecessary interest of any other country. This will complicate the matter and can create new problems,” the UML warned in the release.

The UML said discussion on constitutional amendment in a foreign country without debating it within the country was objectionable.

“It has come to light that our prime minister has written a letter to the Indian PM about our domestic issues, including the issue of constitutional amendment. This has undermined our independence and ability to take independent decisions,” the UML stated in the release.

The UML SC also demanded that the government make public the letter it wrote to the Indian PM.

The UML said it was committed to its stance that the Local Bodies’ Restructuring Commission should submit its report as per its terms of reference and the government should hold elections as per the calendar prepared by the KP Sharma Oli-led government.

The UML said the Oli-led government had prepared calendar of works committing to hold three types of elections by January 21 and preparations were on to complete those jobs.

“It was against this backdrop that the government was changed. The Standing Committee meeting concludes that ideological, political deviation of CPN-Maoist Centre, its lust for power and various sides’ interest to derail Nepal’s political process were the main reasons behind the change of guard,” the UML said in its release.

The party alleged that there had been an attempt to create instability and constitutional vacuum by stalling the implementation of the constitution.

“Attempts are being made to strain relations with neighbours and to give the impression that Nepalis cannot do things on their own,” the UML stated in its release.

The party said it was open to joining hands with all the stakeholders but the new government was illegally reversing the previous government’s decision.

The UML alleged that the ruling parties were creating obstacles in LBRC’s functioning and their stance that elections should be held under the existing structure indicated that the ruling parties did not want to hold local polls.

“We urge the government to hold local, provincial and general elections without any delay,” the UML stated in its release.