Speaking during special hour at parliament on Friday, they said promulgation of a new constitution would be next to impossible if differences among the political parties continue. [break]
Maoist lawmakers, speaking both during zero hour and special hour, however, demanded immediate resignation of the current government, saying that it has failed on both fronts: peace process and constitution drafting.
Nepali Congress lawmaker Dip Kumar Upadhyaya said the political parties must forge consensus on the fundamental issues of constitution drafting to fulfill their national responsibility on time. He expressed concern that the political parties have made government formation rather than constitution drafting their main agenda.
He said that the peace process had become overshadowed after the demise of Girija Prasad Koirala, who took the initiative to bring the Maoists into mainstream politics.
CPN-UML lawmaker Yam Lal Kandel pointed out the need of consensus among political parties to avert a constitutional deadlock that could come about should the parties fail to promulgate the new constitution by the set deadline of May 28. He said it is nothing but lip service on the part of party leaders to say that the new constitution could still be promulgated by the stipulated date.
He urged all the political parties to get serious on time as extreme leftist and extreme rightists forces are active to take advantage of the constitutional deadlock that will come once the political parties fail to promulgate the constitution on time.
Speaking on the occasion, Maoist lawmaker Kamala Roka demanded immediate resignation of the current government as it had failed to draft the new constitution and take the ongoing peace process to a logical end. She said dissolution of the present government would pave the way for the formation of a national government capable of accomplishing both tasks.
Roka also warned that the Maoists would promulgate a new constitution from the streets if the constitution is not promulgated by the set deadline.
Ram Ekwal Ahmad of Madhesi People´s Rights Forum (MPRF) said peace was not possible under the current Madhav Nepal-led government. He drew attention to the deteriorating law and order situation in the Tarai districts in recent days.
Earlier, Chairperson of Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Anandidevi) Sarita Giri brought up the killing of leader of her party Ram Ekwal Yadav in Mahottari. She warned that she would obstruct House proceedings if the home minister did not furnish details about action taken against Yadav´s murderer at the next House meeting.
Giri accused the government of perpetrating state terrorism in the Tarai district as part of a conspiracy to dissolve the CA and announce fresh elections.
During Friday´s House meeting, Minister for Local Development Purna Kumar Sherma tabled a bill on waste management for discussion.
Govt asked to seek clarification from Minister Mahato
Lawmakers belonging to various political parties on Friday asked the government to seek clarification from Minister for Supply Rajendra Mahato over his controversial remark relating to Madhes.
During Friday´s House meeting, CPN-UML lawmakers objected to Mahato´s remark that he would cause the country to disintegrate if a single Madhes state stretching from Mechi in the east to Mahakali in the west was not guaranteed under the new constitution.
“It is against basic decency for a minister to make such remarks,” he said. “Rajendra Mahato [as a private citizen] could make such remarks but Minister Rajendra Mahato cannot.”
He also asked the government to seek clarifications from Mahato over the remark.
Mahato had made the remark during his Madhes Swabhiman Yatra political campaign a few days ago.
The lawmakers also criticized Mahato´s use of vehicles with Indian number plates during the Madhes Swabhiman Yatra and sought a probe into the huge expenses he is incurring in the campaign.
Lila Nyaichyai of Nepal Workers Peasants Party alleged that the prime minister had been apathetic even as a responsible minister made such remarks. She urged the government to take action against Mahato.
Keshav Mainali of Chure Bhawar Ekata Samaj Party said Mahato in his capacity as minister had no right to make such remarks. He also criticized Mahato´s threat about disintegration of the country.
Related story
Lawmakers call for political consensus in constitution amendmen...
