POKHARA, Nov 26: CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has ruled out the possibility of amending the new Constitution just to serve the 'inscrutable interests' of certain people.
Speaking to journalists in Pokhara while on his way to attend a function at Bhimad, Tanahu district on Friday, Oli said although he was ready for constitutional amendment if that benefits the people and the country, he would reject any amendment aimed at addressing some 'inscrutable interests'.
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"The Constitution should not be amended for the sake of amendment. It should not be amended to serve the inscrutable demands of certain people," said Oli adding, "In saying this, we do not mean there should never be any amendment, but amendment should be for the benefit of the people."
Oli said the incumbent Dahal government has no right to go for amendment rather than implementing the Constitution, arguing that its sole objective should be to end the prolonged transition. "The government is not interested in finalizing the electoral laws although this is the time to be doing that instead of focusing on amendment," he said.
Oli stressed the need for holding the elections on time 'to save the country'. "The government is more focused on complicating the elections instead of making these a success. There is no constitutional problem in conducting elections," said Oli.
On the question of spliting province no. 5 in reaction to demands raised by the agitating Madhesi and Tharu communities, Oli opposed the government's preparations for this. "Splitting province 5 is not a solution. Even if the government tables the proposal for this it will not get endorsed by Parliament," said Oli.
Asked what his party would do if the constitution amendment proposal was tabled to split province no. 5, Oli said that he was ready to sacrifice his life if any proposal to change the federal demarcations was tabled without justification.
"Anyone can register an amendment proposal. It's ok if the motion is tabled for resolving problems. Otherwise, I am ready to sacrifice my life to oppose it," said Oli.
