ITAHARI: Politburo member of the CPN-UML Pradip Nepal today said the new constitution could be drafted within the stipulated time only if the people prohibited CA members from going to their constituencies.

Addressing a convention of the UML Sunsari Constituency No 2 committee in Bhadgaun Sinubari VDC, he said, "There is a danger of delay in the statute drafting process due to the irresponsible behaviour of the political parties. The people should press the CA members to adopt the constitution on time.'' He suggested that the best way to exert pressure on the lawmakers would be to bar their entry to the villages.

Nepal claimed that the new statute could be drafted within 15 days if all the leaders of all the political parties were honest. He also urged the parties to forgo their petty interests and to work upholding popular aspirations. The UML leader accused the UCPN-Maoist of not being in favour of drafting the new statute.

''The Maoists have the fear of losing next general elections after the rehabilitation of their combatants,'' Nepal said.