International   

Maoists oppose amendment

KATHMANDU: Though four political parties have agreed to amend the interim Constitution to replace the Prime Minister by a simple majority in Parliament rather than a two-thirds majority, Maoist Chairman Prachanda on Friday said his party was against it.

“The Constituent Assembly is meant for drafting the new Constitution, not for making and breaking governments. We won’t agree on this,” he said.

The Nepali Congress, UML, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum and Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party agreed to bring in the provision. They also said the Maoists should lead the next government, but only after the proposed amendment was passed.

Meanwhile, Maoist leader C.P. Gajurel said the Nepali Congress had “double standards” with regard to the issue. “When they are in power, a two-thirds majority is okay for them,” said Mr. Gajurel, adding: “And when a new party [Maoists] is going to be in the government, they don’t want it.”

Major political parties have requested the Maoists to shun violence. UML leader Pradip Gyawali said: “The Maoists should adopt democratic norms and discard violence. We want a fully democratic system.”

Recently, a businessman, Ram Hari Shrestha was murdered by Maoist cadres. All the parties condemned the killing and there were protests in Kathmandu.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Full turnout in Shanghai for relay
China, Russia for global energy security
Journalist abducted, assaulted
Maoists oppose amendment
Another poll defeat for Labour
Is Jindal one of McCain’s running mate choices?
Troop cuts likely: General
Myanmar opens up to global aid
Grilled in graft case
Australia plans joining consensus of NSG, IAEA

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu