Kathmandu, April 28:

Coordinator of the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum Upendra Yadav today said the Maoists should seek consensus to form a new government, as they do not have an absolute majority in the CA-cum-parliament even as they have the right to claim the leadership of the next government as the single largest party in the assembly.

“Nepali Congress’ claim for leadership is against the people’s mandate. The Maoists too must make efforts for consensus among the political parties to form the new government,” Yadav said at an interaction at the Reporters’ Club here today, adding that a non-Maoist could also become the premier based on consensus.

“The Interim Constitution must be amended to put in place the provision of simple majority to form or oust a government. With the emergence of new political forces and changed political scenario, the validity of the seven-party alliance mentioned in the statute has already ended,” Yadav said.

He also suggested for a broader changes in the interim constitution so that all the anomalies and ambiguities in it could be clarified.

Asked whether they agree to the Maoists’ demand for scrapping of the Indo-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950, Yadav said that they were in favour a national foreign policy based on the principles of Panchasheel.

“Our national interests should be the sole basis for retaining or scrapping any treaty,” he elaborated.

Asked about the prospect of MJF’s collaboration with other major parties including the Maoists, he said, “We can work with those parties that make honest efforts to address our demands.”

Yadav urged the Maoists to dismantle their structures that were formed during the People’s War and democratise them.

Yadav claimed that the armed outfits in the Tarai were in favour of joining the mainstream but the government should make honest efforts to find a negotiated settlement with them.