KATHMANDU, August 25: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has drawn criticism back in Nepal for assuring India about constitutional amendment at a joint press conference held with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday in the course of his ongoing state visit to India.
Responding to Indian Prime Minister Modi's expression of concern about successful implemention of the new constitution, Deuba said that the Nepal government is committed to amending the constitution to make it acceptable to people from all walks of life.
“We triy to amend to make it acceptable for all sides but we couldn't secure two third in the parliament and couldn't amend the constitution. I hope in future we will have two third majority and we will amend the constitution so that people in the southern part and east and west accept as their constitution,” said Deuba during the press conference.
India hasn't welcomed Nepal's constitution which was promulgated two years ago, insisting on the addressing of demands for amendment raised by Madhes-based political parties, directly or indirectly.
“I believe that your leadership will continue talks with all classes of people and address the aspirations of all and implement the constitution successfully,” said Modi speaking before Deuba at the joint press conference.
But leaders of both the ruling and opposition political parties have come down heavily on Deuab for giving an assurance to India about an internal affair. “This is objectionable. It is exclusively our concern what kind of constitution we adopt. Deuba is surrendering to India to prolong his government,” main opposition CPN-UML Vice chairman Bhim Rawal told Republica.
Ruling Nepali Congress lawmaker Dhan Raj Gurung also said that speaking about constitutional amendment was unnecessary as it was too much of an internal issue of Nepal. “It was unnecessary to speak about the constitutional amendment issue as this is not a matter of bilateral affairs that needed to be agreed with India or China,” said Gurung.
However, the ruling CPN (Maoist Center) leaders declined to comment, stating that the issue needs discussion within the party first.
Oli, Dahal rap Deuba's assurance on fresh amendment bill
