Held talks about joining govt as UML flexible in constitution amendment: Shrestha

KATHMANDU, Feb 22: Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) Co-chair Rajendra Shrestha said that his party had begun talks with CPN-UML about possibilities of joining the government since UML’s previous stance on constitution amendment have changed.

“UML has cast off its previous stance on constitution amendment issues. They have accepted that this constitution has error,” said Shrestha while taking to Rishi Dhamala at a radio program Nepali Bahas.

UML Secretary Pradeep Gyawali and the party’s senior leader Subas Nembang 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 on Wednesday.

UML has maintained that the constitution can be amended based on ‘necessity’ and ‘justification’.

“It seems they are ready to address the Madhes issues through amendment. We held primary phase discussion with the ruling party about government formation,” Shrestha added.

“If we (ruling and Madhes centric parties) can move forward together we can succeed in fulfilling the dreams of economic transformation in a new way. But for that, the differences that occurred while promulgating the new constitution should be settled.”

He however said that his party will join the government only if UML guarantees to address the grievances of Madhes.