First constitution amendment then election, reiterates RJPN

KAHTMANDU, June 14: Leader of Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) Brishesh Chandra Lal has reiterated that his party will not participate in the election unless the constitution amendment bill, which is currently stuck at the parliament, is endorsed.

Speaking at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Wednesday, he accused the government not to have taken the concerns of Madhes seriously.

“The government has repeatedly tricked us saying that they would amend the constitution. We remain firm on our stance and we are not participating in any election if the constitution is amended. We will not let the government deceive us this time,” he said.

Leader Lal further said that whether the government postpones the second phase election or not was none of their concern. “Our concern is our demands, which should be addressed. Constitution should be amended.”

He also clarified that RJPN’s agitation will not stop until the government fulfills their demands. He furthered, “Even if the government does written commitment, there is not condition that we can put our trust on them.”

Lal also accused Federal Socialist Forum Chaiman Upendra Yadav  to have stepped down from the Madhes agitation and claimed, “Yadav will be be able to handle the pressure from people and will return to participate in the agitation.”

“We will welcome Yadav,” he added.