Koirala, who is also the coordinator of the High Level Political Committee (HLPC), said it would be impossible to forge consensus with over 50 political parties and civil society organizations in the roundtable as proposed by the Mohan Baidya-led alliance. [break]
A day before HLPC plans to sit for talks with the Baidya-led alliance, Koirala said, “They [Baidya-led alliance] should be clear about the kind of political conference they want. It is not possible to arrive at consensus with over 50 parties in the roundtable.” Referring to his recent meeting with Baidya, Koirala said Baidya-led alliance has demanded a round table meeting of all the political parties represented in the erstwhile Constituent Assembly (CA) and civil society bodies. “What kind of consensus can we expect from such a round table meeting?” Koirala questioned.
Baidya-led alliance, according to Koirala, has demanded an agreement on all contentious issues in the new statute and deferral of the CA polls scheduled for November 19, among other things, for consensus. Koirala was speaking at a function organized by Reporters´ Club Nepal at his residence in Maharajgunj.
Koirala said the demand for agreement on contentious issues in the new statute was simply impractical as the parties are prepared to go for fresh CA polls to resolve the issues. “We have concluded that we shall prepare a draft constitution within six months of the CA polls. But if we fail to resolve contentious issues even within six months after the polls, we shall go for a referendum to settle those issues,” Koirala said.
Arguing that the Election Commission (EC) has already unveiled the calendar of events and election date, Koirala also ruled out any deferral of the CA polls. “The deferral of election will not augur well for the country,” he said.
Koirala also expressed confidence that the Baidya-led alliance would eventually join the November polls. “It will not be in the interest of the country if the dissenting parties launch protests. Other elements may take advantage of this situation. Baidyaji should understand this fact,” he further said.
Asked about the HLPC´s possible move if the Baidya-led alliance decided not to participate in the election process, Koirala said, “I cannot imagine Baidyaji boycotting the elections. Nepali Congress has a bigger responsibility toward the nation. We will make serious efforts to bring them onboard the election process.”
On a separate context, Koirala claimed that NC would get an overwhelming majority in the upcoming CA polls. “The Central Working Committee meeting scheduled for Friday will hold discussions on the party´s plan and policies and election manifesto,” he said adding that NC would go to the election with the main agenda of democracy, peace, stability and development.
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