Speaking at a function in Ilam, the prime minister said, "It is the Constituent Assembly (CA) which is authorized to make such decisions, not the Maoists." Urging the Maoists to act responsibly, he maintained that federalism doesn´t mean dividing the country along ethnic lines. He also accused the Maoists of jeopardizing national unity by making such announcements.
Stating that the government had been unable to accomplish its tasks due to Maoist obstructions, he questioned, "How can the government deliver its promise, if the Maoists continue to obstruct its works," he said. He also said that several development projects and other important works were stalled due to delay in endorsing the annual budget from parliament.
Meanwhile, CA Chairman Subas Nembang said that the new constitution would be written on time. "Rest assured that the constitution will be prepared within the deadline," he said. He also urged the common people to press major parties to forge a consensus in order to successfully conclude the peace process.
Related story
Book review: Analyzing political economy of federalism in Nepal
