RJPN tells PM, Deuba to ensure passage of bill

Kathmandu, May 17

Rastriya Janata Party Nepal leaders today met Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba separately and urged them to create a conducive environment for the second phase of local polls.

A member of the RJPN presidium, Rajendra Mahato, told THT that they urged both leaders to ensure the passage of a revised  constitution amendment bill, to withdraw false cases slapped against cadres of the agitating forces and to increase   the number of local levels in Madhes as per the gentleman’s agreement reached a few days ago.

RJPN leaders also told the PM and the NC president that the ruling coalition did not implement the three-point agreement that the Federal Alliance had signed with the NC and the CPN-Maoist Centre last year.

RJPN leaders told ruling coalition leaders that there couldn’t be a conducive environment for the second phase of local polls unless their three key demands were met.  RJPN leaders also demanded that their party be registered with the Election Commission as a new party and it be given a party symbol. “If our demands are not met, we’ll not take part in the second phase of elections. Instead, we’ll disrupt the polls,” Mahato threatened.

“Both leaders were positive about addressing our demands,” Mahato said.

RJPN leader Rajkishor Yadav told THT that Deuba claimed that a few days ago the ruling coalition had tried to ensure the passage of the amendment bill but its efforts failed to yield the desired result. “We’ll make other decisive attempts and will discuss the issues with the CPN-MC and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party again tomorrow,” Deuba told members of the RJPN presidium.

The PM assured RJPN leaders that although he was handing over power to Deuba, he would try his best to address their demands, according to Yadav.

According to an NC leader, Deuba told RJPN leaders that although the ruling collation lacked two-third majority required for passing the amendment bill, he was, however, committed to trying for the same. Deuba told RJPN leaders that postponing the June 14 elections would be impossible mainly due to CPN-UML’s opposition.

The second phase of local polls is scheduled to be held on June 14 in Provinces 1,2, 5 and 7.