CHITWAN, Dec 17: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that conspiracies were being hatched to do away with federalism from the country. 

Addressing the 9th national general convention of Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) here today, he said there was a risk of a big political disaster if the government was not supported to the measures it has taken recently. 

"Efforts are being made to overturn the transformation by spreading rumor that federalism disintegrates the country and brings division among the people", he said while claiming that even the senior leaders of major parties were making statements openly to help the efforts to repeal federalism. 

Dahal argued that protesting against federalism is to protest against the republic, against secularism and proportional inclusion. The present constitution however does not address the aspirations of the Madheshi, indigenous nationalities and Tharus, which thereby calls for amendment to make it acceptable to all, he added. 

Claiming that he fought for 10 years for the rights of the indigenous people, PM Dahal, who is also Chairman of CPN (Maoist Center), expressed the determination to guarantee their rights by amending the constitution. "I have the responsibility to pay back the contribution made by the indigenous people for the success of the Maoist movement and for the establishment of federal republic system in the country," he said. 

Responding to the statements of the speakers about taking away rights of Brahmin and Chhetri communities, he said all Brahmin and Chhetris are not treated as the same. 

"A section of people from the communities are intending to snatch federalism. I am fighting against it from my office," Dahal said. 

Touching on local body elections, he said the elections would be announced soon after ensuring rights of all in the constitution. "We should go for the polls only after amending the constitution favoring indigenous nationalities, Madhesi and Tharus," he said. 

He also said like in the past, help of Janajatis is needed to foil the attempts of those against the federalism, secularism and proportional inclusiveness. 

"Attempts are being made to finish off federal democratic republic. Your support is in need. Now the country will not return to 2047 B.S.," he said. 

Likewise on the occasion, Nepali Congress General Secretary Shashanka Koirala said the constitution should be made acceptable to all by accommodating rights of Janajatis and all groups. 

Warning that the country may fall into a severe crisis if it fails to implement the constitution, he said it was the need of the hour for all Nepalis to rise above personal interests. 

A rally along with a tableau was taken out before the inauguration program. A total of 422 representatives from 65 ethnic organizations affiliated with the federation, 22 foreign sections and 71 district coordination councils. The three-day convention is scheduled to amend the statute of the federation and pick a new leadership. RSS

 
• prime minister
 
• pushpa kamal dahal
 
• federalism