Speaking at an interaction program organized by Reporters’ Club in the capital, Deuba said that UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, supporter of the federalism in the country, still lacks confidence over federalism. [break]
He also accused the Maoist leaders of being the main hindrance against federalism. Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai and Dahal should convey Maoists’ stance on federalism, he added.
The NC leader also reiterated his view that the present 75 districts could be converted to federal states if dispute over federalism continued further. He also ruled out the possibility of ethnicity-based states and said that federalism should be delineated based on geography.
Deuba citing Switzerland´s example questioned that if a small country like Switzerland can have 37 states, then why can´t Nepal have 75?
Deuba was of opinion that in case of failing to complete the peace process and constitution drafting process within the stipulated time, the country should opt for fresh elections.
"We should be ashamed of failing to complete the twin tasks when we claimed that it can be completed within two years. At the time when the Supreme Court has also denied extending the term of Constituent Assembly, there is no alternative than to opt for fresh elections if we fail to take both the processes to its logical end," Deuba said.
He also reiterated his stance of reviving the 1990´s statute with certain amendments, claiming that the country has been functioning as per the statute.
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