Kathmandu, January 5

The Upendra Yadav-led Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal, a partner in the KP Sharma Oli-led government, today submitted a memorandum to the PM demanding constitution amendment in the current session of Parliament itself.

The FSF-N issued a press release saying it urged the government to amend the constitution in the winter session of Parliament to institutionalise political gains, including federalism, democracy, republican order, proportional inclusion and national identity. Revision of provincial boundaries and enforcement of agreements signed between the government and Madhesi parties in the past are the major demands of the FSF-N.

The party sought enactment of laws to strengthen the federal republican order. It urged the government to control lawlessness, end bureaucratic sluggishness and control corruption. The party drew the government’s attention to the need to arm provincial governments with resources and means necessary to institutionalise the federal republican order,   withdraw cases against its leaders and cadres during Madhes and Tharuhat movements, form constitutional commissions and announce special development packages for Province 2 and Karnali Province that lag behind in development.

The party urged the government to promote cordiality and collaboration among federal ministries and create an environment for the FSF-N-run ministries to play their roles effectively. The FSF-N also wants the government to lessen dependence on

the country’s bureaucracy for executing government policies.

The party  said formation of government of progressive forces in Nepal at a time when conservative forces were becoming strong elsewhere in the world,  was an important political achievement and yet the public had not felt the positive changes.  “People should feel the positive achievements of the government. Why are they not feeling that? This should be analysed and reviewed,” the FSF-N said.

The party proposed to create a task force comprising representatives from both parties — the FSF-N and the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) — to frame and implement the government’s policies.

General Secretary of FSF-N Ram Sahay Yadav said his party decided to submit the memorandum as the government had not taken the initiative to amend the constitution despite signing an agreement with his party.

According to Yadav, the PM said the constitution should be amended to fix multiple issues.

When asked to comment on the FSF-N’s memorandum, the PM’s Press Adviser Kundan Aryal said, “The government gave a big message to Madhesi parties by ensuring the swearing-in of Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal lawmaker Resham Chaudhary. Other issues will be addressed gradually,” he said.

Aryal also said the government needed to follow due process to withdraw cases filed against Madhesi leaders and cadres.

Major demands

• Revise provincial boundaries
• Enforce past agreements
• Form constitutional commissions
• Provide packages for Province 2 and Karnali Province
• Withdraw cases against cadres of Madhesi parties