Addressing a function organized by NC´s Central Policy and Orientation Department in the capital, the top leaders also vowed to thwart the Maoists plan to capture state through “politics of betrayal and treachery”. The function was organized to chalk out the party´s future course of action.[break]
"The Maoists have always employed the tactic of dilly-dallying and treachery. They have also been irresponsible. The Maoists had already decided earlier to dissolve the existing CA and go for fresh polls," alleged NC President Sushil Koirala.
Koirala said he has urged Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and caretaker Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai during recent meetings to act honestly and responsibly.
Speaking on the occasion, NC senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba argued that the inconsistency in the words and actions of the Maoists has hindered political consensus. "The Maoists are trying to forcibly hold fresh CA election. Nepali Congress as one of the major parties should not only oppose the election, but also offer an alternative to the current political crisis," he said.
Deuba suggested that the party could agree to revive CA for a brief period after resolving various contentious issues in constitution writing or prepare a new draft constitution with help from constitutional experts.
Most of the former CA members speaking at the gathering echoed Deuba, saying that it would be more practical to go for parliamentary election after endorsing the new statute through revived CA.
NC Vice president Paudel accused the Maoists of conspiring to dissolve the CA, fearing that it would promulgate a democratic constitution. Stating that Maoists were bent on creating political instability and anarchy, Paudel stressed on the need for struggle to safeguard democracy.
Paudel also brushed aside Maoist allegations that NC was against the rights of indigenous nationalities, women, dalits, minorities and backward communities. "NC is in favor of delineating provinces in line with identity and capacity," he said.
Likewise, CWC member Gagan Thapa said the Maoists demand for single-ethnic identity based province was the major bone of contention.
Most of the NC leaders speaking at the function accused the party leadership of failing to take the NC´s position on issues related to federalism and other contentious issues to the people. Arguing that Maoists were trying to corner NC, they also suggested the party leadership not to give in to the unreasonable demands of the Maoists.
Related story
No consensus govt until Maoists mend ways: PM
