NC, UML warn Madhesi, janajati lawmakers of disciplinary action

KATHMANDU, May 22: The Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML have separately warned their lawmakers of disciplinary action if they go against their party´s official position on issues related to constitution writing.



While top leaders of the Nepali Congress held an informal meeting with lawmakers from Madhesi and indigenous communities, the CPN-UML held a meeting of the party central disciplinary committee on Tuesday and directed lawmakers from the Madhesi and indigenous communities to follow the party´s official position on issues of constitution writing. [break]



The parties took the move after knowing that lawmakers from the Madhesi and indigenous communities were among the 320 lawmakers who signed a memorandum submitted to Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal opposing the 11-province model. The NC and CPN-UML continue to adhere to the 11-province model despite opposition from parties and organizations representing Madhesi and indigenous communities.



“The top leaders have warned them of disciplinary action if they violate the party´s whip,” said a UML central committee member on condition of anonymity. “Most of those who signed the memorandum have agreed to follow the party´s official line but some of the lawmakers are yet to make such a commitment.”



The CPN-UML held the meeting of its standing committee and central disciplinary committee to discuss the issue after it found prominent leader like Prithvi Subba Gurung, Kiran Gurung, Pasang Sherpa spearheading the movement for single-identity based federal model.



“The party will take stern action if the lawmakers violate the whip issued by the party,” said a CPN-UML leader seeking anonymity. Earlier, the party´s Central Commission on Discipline (CCD) had instructed UML lawmakers, who have campaigned for ´identity based´ state restructuring with the other parties, not to vote against the party´s official policy.



According to a press statement issued by Chairman of CCD Amrit Kumar Bohara on Tuesday, the CCD also suggested to the party and its parliamentary party not to allow any UML lawmaker to vote against the party´s official decision in the Constituent Assembly.



"The CCD has instructed lawmakers, who are in favor of identity based provinces, to adhere to the party´s official decision and policy," said the statement.

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