‘DECISION TO PROVIDE 1 BILLION TO IIFA CEREMONY IS WRONG’

KATHMANDU, June 30: The party’s policy is itself the people’s democracy. Thus there is no need of any unnecessary discussion about this, said ruling Nepal Communist Party standing committee member Bhim Rawal.

“The principle of people’s democracy has been embraced by the party’s statute. This was agreed among top leaders. I don’t understand who brought up the debate on the party’s policy and why,” said Rawal, while speaking at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Sunday.

“The party’s utmost ambition is scientific socialism. People’s democracy is the party’s current policy. All the leaders should, therefore, follow it,” added the former deputy prime minister.

“If the leaders go against the agreement, it will invite political instability,” he warned adding, “If anyone has any kind of dissatisfaction toward the party’s policy, he should put them to the central committee.”

Rawas expressed dissatisfaction over the party’s failure to review the government’s works. He also clarified that the party has not held any discussion on reshuffling the cabinet.

“The party should review the government’s works. If any minister has failed to work effectively, he should be called back,” he said.

Rawal also said that the agreement reached between Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ during the unification between then UML and Maoist Center should be implemented.

“If they have agreed to head the government turn by turn, Oli should hand over the premiership to Dahal.”

Rawal also expressed strong disapproval toward the government’s decision to provide NRS 1 billion and Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s decision to provide half a billion rupees to IIFA organizers for holding the Indian film award ceremony.

“I am surprised by the government’s decision. Who took the decision? If the meeting of the standing committee was held, the answer would be known.”

KATHMANDU, May 20: Ruling Nepal Communist Party Bhim Rawal has said that the government should try to address the concern raised by the journalists over the controversial Nepal Media Council Bill, which proposes a heavy fine and jail sentence for publishing offensive contents.

“The government should try to address the issues raised by the journalists,” said Rawal, speaking at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Monday.

The bill, under section 18 to Amend and Integrate Media Council Act, proposes a fine up to 1 million to media outlets, publishers, editors and journalists for publishing contents tarnishing the reputation of an individual.

Likewise, Bill on Mass Communications has proposed confiscation of media equipment and Rs 5 million to 10 million fine or 10 to 15 years in jail for publishing contents undermining national sovereignty, territorial integrity and nationality.

The journalist associations have argued that the proposed Bill violates the press freedom guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal. They have also expressed concerns over how a media person or a journalist, who are not even paid a minimum wage, would be able to bear the penalty cost.

The government has faced criticisms from civil society, journalists, human right activists and main opposition party Nepali Congress, who have said the bill is aimed at controlling the media.

However, the government has defended the bill saying it has been brought to regulate, organize and discipline the media.

The government has already tabled the controversial media bill aiming to replace the Press Council Act 2048.

On a different note, Rawal also said that the individuals involved in the encroachment of public property should be punished.

“Taking back the encroached property is not enough. The land mafias should be punished,” said Rawal

Rawal also demanded the government probe into the Lalita Niwas land encroachment scam and find the individuals involved in illegally privatizing the public land.

KATHMANDU, Feb 27: CPN-UML Vice-Chairman Bhim Rawal has said that the party unification task forces will finalize report on the new party’s interim statute and political document within March 9. He added the two parties will probably announce unification in mid-March.

The two ruling parties UML and CPN (Maoist Center) signed a seven-point unification deal on February 19, which leaders of both parties have termed as the primary basis for the merger process. Following the agreement, the two-in unity process- parties also formed two separate task forces to finalize the organizational structure and political guideline of the new party-Nepal Communist Party.

Prime Minister and UMl Chair K P Sharma Oli and Maoist Center Chair, two days later, directed the task forces to prepare and submit their report before March 9.

“The report on interim statute and political principle of the new party will be finalized before March 9. Then we will announce merger,” said Rawal, a member of the task force formed to finalize political guideline of the party, at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Tuesday. UML’s Madhav Kumar Nepal, Subash Nembang, Pradip Gyawali and Raghuji Panta and Maoist Center’s Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Dev Gurung, Shakti Basnet, Pampha Bhusal and Devendra Poudel are in the task force.

Likewise, another task force, formed to finalize the organizational structure of the new party includes UML’s Ishwor Pokhrel, Bishnu Poudel, Gokarna Bista, Beduram Bhusal, Raghubir Mahaseth and Maoist Center’s Ram Bahadur Thapa, Girirajmanio Pokhrel, Barsaman Pun and Janardan Sharma.

“After the report is prepared, a final homework will be done. Then we will announce unification…perhaps in the first week of March. If not… then, in the second week,” added Rawal.

Rawal also said that the cabinet will get full shape as soon as possible. He said that Prime Minister Oli is holding negotiation with Federal Socialist Forum Nepal Chair Upendra Yadav in bid to bring his party into the government.

“It will be better if FSFN joins us in the government. Bringing as many parties into confidence strengthens national unity,” said Rawal.

However, he said that the cabinet will be expanded even if FSFN Chair Yadav denies participating in the government.

He added, “We cannot dally in giving full shape to the government as time is running out. We are already late. The government formed finally after 70 days of completion of election. The budget for the next fiscal year has to be announced.”

Rawal expressed his confidence that appointment of a monetary economist Yuba Raj Khatiwada as the finance minister of Nepal will help the Oli-led government meet its purpose of economic prosperity.

Rawal also clarified that no decisions or agreement have been made regarding Presidential position.

KATHMANDU, Feb 12: CPN-UML Vice-Chairman Bhim Rawal has opined for forwarding the party unification process between his party and CPN (Maoist Center) and the new government formation process side by side.

At a program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Sunday, also the former Deputy Prime Minister, Rawal said that a new government would be formed within a week

The UML Vice-Chairman said, “The new government will review the decisions taken by the incumbent government against election code of conduct and people’s aspiration.”

KATHMANDU, Jan 14: CPN-UML Vice-Chairman Bhim Rawal has said that Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba should resign if he cannot name province capitals and chiefs.

The government is yet to announce the names of province chiefs and temporary province capitals even after a month of conclusion of federal and provincial elections.

“If the government cannot do its work, why is it staying? We have already got majority in elections. If PM Deuba cannot do it, he should step down and let us do it,” Rawal told Reporters’ Club Nepal on Sunday.

“The date for the National Assembly election has already been announced. Therefore, Deuba’s resignation will make no difference.”

“Otherwise, the PM should fix the temporary province capitals, province chiefs and the places from where the province assembly can function,” added Rawal.

He also warned Nepali Congress not to try to tempt CPN (Maoist Center) Pushpa Kamal Dahal by offering him the post of Prime Minister and added, “Dahal is not the one to be tempted.”

“UML and Maoist Center will merger very soon. As soon as Chair Oli returns from Bangkok, the unity process will gain momentum,” he added.

KATHMANDU, Jan 7: CPN-UML Vice-chairman Bhim Rawal has said that if the government avoids the task of fixing the temporary province capitals, it will be government’s incompetence.

The government, owing to the tensions and protests that have erupted in various districts over province capitals is planning not to fix the temporary capitals and leave the duty to province assemblies. Minister for Commerce Min Bishwokarma on Saturday had said that the government will likely avoid the duty of fixing the temporary province capitals keeping in view that the left alliance didn’t give any suggestion over the issue.

But UML leader Rawal accused the government of running away from duty.

“The government alerted by the protests in various districts over the province capitals is planning to skip the task. The government is running away from challenges,” he said at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Sunday.

“We (left alliance leaders) had told Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to complete all the procedures abiding by the constitutional framework so as to pave way for the new government formation. But now, the government is saying that it will not fix temporary capitals owing to constitutional complexities.”

“The government’s argument has no logic. This is government’s incompetence,” added Rawal.

“We keeping in view the government’s dillydallying to transfer power had told PM Deuba to take decisions regarding these matters. But, the government is inviting further complications.”

Rawal also demanded that the government appoint governors immediately.

Rawal also shared that the party unification coordination committee meeting will be held before UML Chair KP Oli leaves for Bangkok for routine health check-up. Oli, tipped to be the next prime minister, underwent kidney transplant in New Delhi in 2007. Since then he has regularly undergone health checkup in foreign capitals.

“The seven-point understanding between UML and CPN (Maoist Center), common election manifesto and agreement on 60-40 ratio after party unification are the strong bases for party unification. People’s mandate has come for the same. Some leaders does not want the two left parties be unites—which will not happen,” he added.

Rawal also warned PM Deuba that if he does not quit the government after the conduction of National Assembly Election, the people will force him to quit.

KATHMANDU, Dec 28: CPN-UML leader Bhim Rawal on Thursday said that position management issue will not hinder the party unification process with CPN (Maoist Center).

As both parties UML and Maoist Center are carrying out dialogues and negotiation for the party unification and formation of a new government, allocating party’s position to second-rung leaders has been a huge challenge to both parties –delaying the party’s unification and government formation. Likewise, controversial remarks from some leaders have also contributed in creating mistrust and skepticism between the two left constituents.

But Rawal said that the unification is certain as it is the only alternative to leading country to development and prosperity. “A draft had already been prepared for the unification before elections. Negotiations with other leaders of the parties are being carried out,” he said to Rishi Dhamal at Nepali Bahas, a daily talk show broadcast from Nepali Radio Network.

“Management of senior leaders is yet to be finalized. The issue has created challenge in unification process, but discussions are being carried out. It will be finalized soon. I don’t think position management of parties’ leaders will hinder the unification process,” added Rawal.

Amid skepticism and wide criticism, the Chiefs of both parties KP Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal met on Thursday and discussed party unification and new government formation. Both leaders agreed to expedite unity process and call meeting of the party unification coordination committee by Friday.

Even though Maoist Center has agreed to make Oli Prime Minister of new government, some leaders of UML–who are expected to lead the party in future—have remained cautious bargaining for dignified position in the new united party, which has also caused delay in the unity process.

However, Rawal said that both the parties are now primarily focused on unity rather than position management.

Rawal also said he was hopeful that the process will speed up once the UML’s Standing Committee will be held.

KATHMANDU, Dec 18: CPN-UML Vice-chairman Bhim Rawal has expressed his confidence that the negotiation process with CPN (Maoist center) will conclude reaching a broader understanding.

The two allies of the left alliance announced unification process while forging electoral alliance on the eve of the federal parliament and provincial assembly election that completed recently. And, as the alliance between the two parties worked well in election, producing sweep in House of Representatives election under the first-past-the-post system winning 116 seats; the two parties have started talks on merger process.

“The negotiation on power sharing will end as expected with reaching a broader understanding between the two parties,” said Rawal said Rawal at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Monday.

Rawal also hinted at the possibility that Chair KP Oli would head the new government while Maoist Center Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal would head the party.

“There is a high possibility that Oli will be the prime minister,” he added.

Maoist Center is keen to embrace collective leadership but some leaders of UML like Ishwor Pokhrel, General Secretary of the party, have stressed on single party leadership.

“Negotiations are underway. Both the parties are working to resolve the differences,” said Rawal.

“All we want is country’s development and prosperity. We will move forward in a way that will meet the aspirations of the people,” he added.

He also said that Deuba’s stance on handing over government only after the National Assembly election was incorrect.

“People have given clear mandate to the left alliance, but Deuba is devaluing it. After losing the election, it is not suitable for NC to stay in the government,” he further added. “It is not democratic.”

“All the parties had clearly agreed on majority votes while forming National Assembly, while writing constitution.”

“But Deuba is asking the President to approve something which is unconstitutional.”

“Deuba should clear path for a new government.”

KATHMANDU, Sept 4: With the commencement of the Legislature-Parliament meeting today, CPN-UML lawmaker Bhim Bahadur Rawal, seeking time from the Speaker, objected to the Prime Minister’s statement concerning constitution amendment that he had given during his recent India visit.

Demanding that the Prime Minister should inform the House about the proposed bills relating to the President and Vice President, he protested against the transfer of government employees at the backdrop of the announcement of election dates.

Leader Rawal, who is also the party vice chair, took the time to accuse the government of running the Home Administration breaching government norms and values.

“Democracy could not be operated arbitrarily it must be run in accordance with the rule of law,” he insisted.

In response to Rawal’s views, Speaker Onsari Gharti drew the government’s attention to inform the House about what happened on these issues. RSS 

KATHMANDU, July 6: Bhim Rawal, vice-chairman of the main opposition party CPN-UML, has argued that the government should withdraw the amendment bill currently stalled at the parliament and bring forward a new one incorporating suggestions of the UML. He added his party will have full support to the new amendment proposal if it is meets the people’s and nation’s interest.

Speaking at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Thursday, Rawal also questioned the Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and former Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ ‘s silence over the amendment bill currently stalled at the parliament.

“For what reason was the proposal forwarded?”, he wondered.

He further said that the issue of sorting out the delineation disputes by forming a federal commission was of sort that would cut out the rights of province. He added, the government brought proposal also bars the chiefs, deputy chiefs of the municipalities and rural municipalities from being part of an electoral college that will elect the in National Assembly. “Our party is against as such suggestions,” he said.

“The Nepali Congress (NC) and Maoist Center (MC) alliance brought the amendment proposal going against the spirit of constitution and law. It is against the nation and people, and will only disintegrate Madhes and Hills. We are never supporting the proposition”, he added.

The opposition has registered revision on the amendment bill to Article 274 (4a) which authorizes federal parliament to endorse the changes in the revision of boundaries in consultation with the provincial assemblies instead of mandatory agreement from the provinces. The opposition parties are for continuing the existing constitutional provision which makes it mandatory to have approval from the provincial assemblies for the revision in the boundaries.

Similarly, the opposition has registered revision on the amendment to Article 86 (2) (a), barring chief and deputy chiefs of municipalities and rural municipalities (village councils) from being part of an electoral college that will elect the national assembly. It is for continuity in the existing provision in the constitution which authorizes them to be the part of Electoral College.

In the amendment proposal by the ruling alliance, an additional clause has been incorporated in Article 7 of the constitution to enlist all the languages recommended by the Language Commission in the annex of the constitution. This would allow the provinces to choose the national languages from the recommendations. “The proposal will anchor the effort to recognize Hindi language as governmental language. It can replace the local languages like Bhojpuri, Maithali, Awadhi, said Rawal, “which is unacceptable.”

Among the 50 proposals, 34 have been filed by the main opposition CPN-UML alone, seeking revision in various provisions in the amendment bill. The opposition parties, including the UML, CPN-ML, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party and Rastriya Janamorcha, have sought revision in all 11-points in the amendment.

Leader Rawal further said that UML is open to hold discussions over the issues of constitution amendment bill after the completion of round three of election scheduled for September 18.

“If the determination of local levels is not as per the distribution of population, we will discuss about it. Not only in province 2 but in other districts as well.”

Stating that people’s participation in the first and second round of local election was enthusiastic, he expected the same in the round three of election going to be held in Province 2.

He also claimed that UML will emerge as the largest party in province 2 as well.

Stating that people of Terai-Madhes want election, he urged Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) not to deprive Madhesi people of their voting rights. He added, UML is open to hold discussion with RJPN.

He also welcomed the Federal Socialist Forum Chairman Upendra Yadav’s decision to participate in the elections.