CA elections in June unlikely, UML Chief Khanal announces

KATHMANDU: CPN (UML) Chairman Jhalanath Khanal has said that there are slim chances of CA elections in June due to UCPN (Maoist)’s unwillingness.

Speaking at a special interaction program organized by the Reporters Club as a part of its campaign for ‘CA Elections for Constitution’ in the capital today, the UML chieftain questioned why the Maoists readied themselves on March 13 to strike a deal if they were willing to hold CA elections by June. “The Maoists would have signed the deal much earlier,” he added.

He reasoned that there are slim chances of conducting elections in June as the issue of citizenship was yet to resolve and laws needed for the same were not prepared while voting machines, installation of CCTV, management of officials and many other issues including political environment were also not conducive for elections.

Club’s Chairman Rishi Dhamala presided over the special interaction program.

Khanal also warned UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda of not to issue threats of not accepting elections in November if CA polls were not conducted in June.

On Sunday, Prachanda had issued a threat at a program in Dhadhing not to accept the CA elections if polls were not conducted in June.

Khanal was of the statement that the CA elections date should not be postponed time and again once announced like before.

Khanal also harboured suspicion to the representation of the UCPN (Maoist) in the new CA claiming that people have noticed the Maoist’s policies, goal, capacity and mystery.

Commenting on UML leader Ram Chandra Jha’s entry in the Maoists, Khanal said it would not harm the UML. “UML is an ocean. Extracting and pouring a mug of water from the ocean makes no difference in its size.”

Khanal also said that the UML was ready to join hands together with the political forces that are in favour of multi-identity federalism and national unity for elections purpose.

On the occasion, Khanal lauded the roles played by the Reporters Club during its 15-year journey.

Club’s Chairman Dhamala pledged to work for strengthening and prosperity of democracy.