The main opposition CPN_UML party has alleged that the ruling parties on cue from foreign powers were delaying the poll to create political vacuum.

KATHMANDU, Feb 7: The main opposition party, CPN-UML, has termed the decision of the ruling parties and the agitating Madhes-based parties to hold the poll only after amending the constitution as a conspiracy to derail the ongoing course of politics and create a political vacuum. 

The party has alleged that the ruling parties on cue from foreign powers were delaying the poll to create political vacuum. “Ruling parties are talking about elections only for public consumption. Their decision to hold the poll only after the amendment is not in the interests of Nepal and Nepali people,” said UML Vice Chairman Bhim Rawal. 

During the meeting with the Madhes-based parties on Sunday, ruling Nepali Congress (NC) leaders had assured that they would announce the date for election only after bringing amendment to the constitution. The two sides also agreed to work to solicit support of other political parties to secure requisite two-thirds votes in parliament in favor of the amendment bill. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who became prime minister with support from the agitating Madhes-based parties, has been saying in public that the government will announce election date only after the grievances of the disgruntled parties are addressed.

UML leader Rawal said NC, UML and the CPN (Maoist Center) had agreed at a joint meeting at the prime minister's residence in Baluwatar to expedite the process to hold the election including the announcement of the poll date. However, the NC and the Maoist Center after a few days said election would be held only after the constitution is amended. 

Speaking at a function in Jaleshwar, Mahottari, on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi said the first priority of the government is to bring amendment to the constitution. Arguing that election is possible only after the amendment, Nidhi argued that election is the second priority for the current government. 

The opposition parties have remained sharply critical of the amendment bill, which consists of various provisions including revision of the boundaries of Province 5.  “The decision of the ruling parties is to thwart the possibility of holding the three-tiers of election within the stipulated deadline of January, 2018,” Rawal further said. 

 
• cpn-uml
 
• madhes-based parties
 
• bhim rawal
 
• local poll
 
• constitution amendment