RJPN will not join govt unless constitution is amended: Anil Jha

KATHMANDU, Feb 24: Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) presidium committee member Anil Jha has clarified that his party will not participate in the government unless the constitution is amended.

His expression comes at a time when the ruling parties Prime Minister K P Oli is exploring a range of possibilities to bring the Madhes-centric parties Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) and RJPN abroad the government.

Earlier this week, UML Secretary Pradeep Gyawali and the party’s senior leader Subas Nembang had held negotiations with FSFN senior leaders Ashok Rai, Shrestha and General Secretary Ram Sahaya Yadav at the UML’s parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar.

Briefing the meeting, FSFN Chair Upendra Yadav had said that his party was positive about participating in the Oli-led government if they are guaranteed constitution amendment.

“We have not thought about joining the government yet. But if the constitution is amended, we will certainly participate in the government,” clarified Jha at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Saturday.

“In the past, the tabled amendment bill could not get through the parliament due to the non-cooperation from UML. Therefore, at the present circumstances, there is no any possibility of RJPN cooperating the government,” he reiterated.