Any amendment that doesn't address key issues meaningless: Bhattarai, Yadav

KATHMANDU, Nov 29: Former Prime Minister and Naya Shakti Party Nepal Coordinator Baburam Bhattarai and Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) Chairman Upendra Yadav said that any amendment to the constitution that does not address crucial national issues will be meaningless.

Issuing a joint press statement on Monday, Bhattarai and Yadav said that amendment should address the demands for 'national recognition for identities', federalism with authorities to provinces, totally proportional representation in parliament, directly-elected executive president, proportionate inclusion in every organ of state, multi-language policy, autonomy and self-governance, federal judiciary and local level under the jurisdiction of provinces.

"These are crucial national issues to be addressed by an amendment. Therefore any amendment that does not address these issues could not only fail in resolving the country's problems but also fail in making the constitution universally acceptable and implementing it," stated the press release.

The joint statement issued amid government preparations to register an amendment bill purportedly to address at least four demands of the agitating Madhes-based parties has stated that any amendment that does not address crucial issues could push the country toward more conflict, chaos and instability.

"The statement says that the Naya Shakti Party Nepal and FSFN stand together on national issues. It also states that the Naya Shakti supports the Federal Alliance and the ongoing movement," said Mahesh Chaurasia, the press coordinator of Yadav.

When asked if the two parties have any plan for unification, Chaurasia said unification is a distant prospect.

"Unification is a distant issue as well as a complex procedure. However, it could be the first step toward it as the two parties are exchanging and studying each others' documents," claimed Chaurasia.

However, Chaurasia refuted that the statement hinted at the possible departure of Yadav from his alliance with other Madhes-based parties. "Chairman Yadav is leading the Federal Alliance and the rumors are baseless. He is committed to taking the movement to a logical end," said Chaurasia.

"The joint statement is a step toward strengthening the ongoing movement," he added.