KATHMANDU, Nov 19: Major opposition party Nepali Congress (NC) on Wednesday abstained from talks between government and agitating Madhes-based political parties saying the government was not prepared for the talks and neglected the opposition.
According to the NC spokesman Dilendra Prasad Badu, the ruling parties have only created rumors about the talks claiming it as 'decisive' but did not even bother to inform the main opposition.
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"We have not been formally invited to the talks though our party is looking for fruitful talks with the agitating parties," Spokesperson Badu said. He added that none of the NC leaders was informed about the meeting even though the ruling parties called it 'decisive talks'.
The party also condemned media reports that claimed parties were positive about reviewing the provincial delineation. "No talks have been held for reviewing provincial delineation that was passed by the Constituent Assembly," he said.
NC office bearers' meeting held at Singha Durbar-based party's parliamentary party office also blamed the ruling parties for lack of preparations for the talks.
"The parties within the government have varying opinions on demarcation. So they need to forge common view before sitting for talks," Spokesperson Badu said stressing the need for a clear agenda for the talks.
NC has also demanded that the current government revive the bills related to the reconstruction authority tabled in parliament by the former NC-led government as soon as possible.
Likewise, the office bearers' meeting also demanded that the government continue the task initiated by the erstwhile NC-led government related to the determination of electoral constituencies and, the issues of inclusion and representation to genuinely address the agitation in the Tarai.
UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal meanwhile said that NC leaders have assured to participate in the next meeting for they would be invited 24 hours prior to the meeting.
