Madhes-based parties to resume fresh protest if demands not met: Shrestha

KATHMANDU, April 26: Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) leader Rajendra Shrestha has warned to withdraw its support to government and resume fresh protest if the government fails to address their demand of constitution amendment.

Prime Minister Oli has assured the Madhes based parties to amend the constitution on the basis of necessity and justification. But FSFN and Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) have demanded the Prime Minister sign the joint draft prepared by the both sides.

Despite making a little progress, the talks between the Madhes-based parties and the government came to an abrupt halt after Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli declined to give a written commitment to amend the constitution—minimizing the chances of FSFN and RJPN joining the government.

“Prime Minister Oli was positive about the revision of constitution, thus he requested us to participate in his government. But, we cannot join the government forgetting the agenda of constitution amendment,” Shrestha told Reporters’ Club.

“But, since our party went to elections promising the people to amend the constitution, we cannot do so. Our struggle for constitution amendment will continue until our demands are met,” he added.

Shrestha further said that there is no need to obstruct the parliament adding, “We will continue talks with the government and try to settle this issue through dialogues.”

“But if the government fails to meet our demands yet, we will resume fresh protest,” he added.