The government will hold discussion with stakeholders and bring a new revised Guthi Bill, said Padma Kumari Aryal, minister of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation.

Even after the government withdrew the controversial Guthi Bill registered at the National Assembly, thousands of protesters, especially the Newar communities from the Kathmandu Valley, gathered at Maitighar Mandala on Wednesday demanding the total cancelation of the bill.

“What is cancelation? The bill tabled in the upper house has already been withdrawn. Now, what’s left to be canceled? ” said Aryal in a television interview Janata Janna Chahanchan.

“It was not given a final shape. No discussions were held. It was proposed but withdrawn. I don’t understand why it should be canceled.”

“No bill becomes final as soon as the government presents it. After a bill is tabled in the parliament, discussions and interactions are held on the proposal before it is sent to the committee including their suggestions. The committee then holds consultations with the stakeholders. Next, it is sent to the parliament and where it is rediscussed before being endorsed,” she said.

“A bill goes through a long process before it becomes a law.”

“The Guthi Bill was only proposed in the parliament. But why are not they ready to hold consultation? ”

“After the public pressure, we withdrew the bill… but for now.”

“Now, we will consult with the stakeholders and bring a revised Guthi Bill.”

“Even Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said the bill can be corrected. I have said that.

Aryal claimed that the ministry had frequently called stakeholders to hold a discussion on the bill.

“We had said we were ready to make necessary correction in the bill. But even after a frequent request, they refused the call and took to the streets.”

“There was no need for a demonstration.”

On the eve of the biggest protest since the 2006 People’s Movement–the main opposition party Nepali Congress also expressed solidarity with the protest against the bill. The NC obstructed the parliament and barred Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli from addressing the House about the Guthi Bill and his recent Europe visit.

Asked will the government not heed the demand to cancel the bill and not to reintroduce it again, she said, “If it is so? Why did they write in the constitution that they need Guthi Bill? Didn’t all the parties sign the constitution? Do they have moral rights to raise the issue? The constitution states that the government should bring the Guthi laws.”

During the demonstration, the protesters also demanded the resignation of Minister Aryal and Communication and Information technology Minister Gokul Baskota.

Minister Aryal said, “It is their freedom to speak their views. What do we have to do is upon us.”

“Controversy is not a big thing. It’s a democracy. People have the right to express their opinion and speak their voice. Based on that, corrections are made.”

In a query that the Kathmandu based Newars have said the bill failed to represent them, Aryal said, “Guthi experts were involved in drafting the bill.”

“We have called the representatives,” she claimed.

According to her, the bill was introduced to protect the culture, religion and century-old tradition.

Mohan Baidya and his party, CPN Maoist, led 33 political parties alliance has been on the streets to foil the government’s and the major political parties’ effort to hold Constituent Assembly member elections. The alliance has presently launched 10-day nationwide transportation strike and other agitation programs to disrupt the CA elections slated for Nov 19. Nepali Reporter’s Rishi Dhamala recently spoke to this man, who among others is credited for launching the decade long Maoist insurgency, on issues surrounding CA elections and his alliance’s future plans. Excerpts:

How do you apprise the success of your agitations? Is the nation moving towards confrontation?

The ‘set-up’ CA that the government intends to form without including us, a major part of the peace process, cannot deliver the constitution. This will intensify conflict rather than fostering peace.

We have been looking forward in a peaceful manner but the government has presented itself aggressively. Even though I made a call for talks to resolve political differences, the government and major political parties neglected it and resorted to suppression. There is still time to save the nation from going into confrontation. I request the civil society, journalist, political parties and the government to take initiatives for consensus. Current situation can be resolved only through political means and I would like to request all concerned to take measures from their end to resolve this situation.

Do you think there are chances for consensus at the threshold of CA elections?

Consensus is national necessity. It is the only means to conclude the peace process. Therefore I request for taking the road dialogues and consensus.

What will your alliance do if the CA elections are heeding to your demands?

Our concern is avert from holding CA elections without garnering consensus. Because such a CA cannot deliver constitution. However, if the government and political parties push it through, our future strategy will depend on how the government presents itself. It is certain that our strategy will be different, if our demands are trampled.

Your power show on transportation seems feeble?

The state, all political parties are all confronting us. The 33 party alliance is confronting the rest of them and this might be effect that gives the impression of feeble transportation strike call.

So are you going to pull out the strike?

I have reiterated it many times that strikes and agitation is a forced choice for us. We understand the troubles that the general public has face due to it, but we request to understand our compulsion. Our agitation will continue and become even intense unless the state responds to our demands. The ongoing transportation will continue.

Will a feeble protest like this fulfill your alliance’s demands?

We are looking plan to review the existing scenario and launch even stern agitation programs. We wont pull out unless our demands are addressed by the state.

But the government is hell bent on holding CA elections, even by detaining dissidents?

If the government is planning to arrest us, as rumored, than we welcome it open heartedly. We are ready for being arrested. But that is not the way to address the issue.

UCPN Maoist and other parties are looking forward to bring your alliance in CA by offering 26 seats. How do you take the plan?

We are agitating against the present process of holding CA elections. Expressions of giving 26 seats to us through the cabinet is an insult of our stance and revolution. It is definite that we wont be joining this process at any cost. If we are participate than it will be only after the change of the process.

Why do you think your demands and concerns were not addressed?

We have been kept out of the CA election process because all the three major political parties of loosing elections. UCPN Maoist thought that we would win it and Nepali Congress and CPN UML feared our re-union and consequent victory in the CA elections.

Amid your protest programs, Bomb blast incidents have increased?

We don’t have any information about these bomb blasts. We are in peaceful protests.

Then who is after these blasts?

Its obvious for agitated citizens and cadres to resort to vandalism and rebellion. The government and major parties invited all these and they should take the sole responsibility.

Prachanda thanked your protests programs?
Prachanda deceived the nation and its people. He has superseded the erstwhile reactionaries in deception. He now belongs to the reactionary brotherhood.

Foreigners interest in election and protest has soared up. How do you access it?

Foreigners don’t have the right to comment or criticize on Nepal’s internal affairs. We don’t need anyone’s advice or suggestions, we are capable to resolve our own problems.———————————————————

Interview Translated and Edited by Chitra Raj Bhandari. Read the Nepali Version of Mohan Baidya’s Interview here.

Mohan Baidya and his party, CPN Maoist, led 33 political parties alliance has been on the streets to foil the government’s and the major political parties’ effort to hold Constituent Assembly member elections. The alliance has presently launched 10-day nationwide transportation strike and other agitation programs to disrupt the CA elections slated for Nov 19. Nepali Reporter’s Rishi Dhamala recently spoke to this man, who among others is credited for launching the decade long Maoist insurgency, on issues surrounding CA elections and his alliance’s future plans. Excerpts:

How do you apprise the success of your agitations? Is the nation moving towards confrontation?

The ‘set-up’ CA that the government intends to form without including us, a major part of the peace process, cannot deliver the constitution. This will intensify conflict rather than fostering peace.

We have been looking forward in a peaceful manner but the government has presented itself aggressively. Even though I made a call for talks to resolve political differences, the government and major political parties neglected it and resorted to suppression. There is still time to save the nation from going into confrontation. I request the civil society, journalist, political parties and the government to take initiatives for consensus. Current situation can be resolved only through political means and I would like to request all concerned to take measures from their end to resolve this situation.

Do you think there are chances for consensus at the threshold of CA elections?

Consensus is national necessity. It is the only means to conclude the peace process. Therefore I request for taking the road dialogues and consensus.

What will your alliance do if the CA elections are heeding to your demands?

Our concern is avert from holding CA elections without garnering consensus. Because such a CA cannot deliver constitution. However, if the government and political parties push it through, our future strategy will depend on how the government presents itself. It is certain that our strategy will be different, if our demands are trampled.

Your power show on transportation seems feeble?

The state, all political parties are all confronting us. The 33 party alliance is confronting the rest of them and this might be effect that gives the impression of feeble transportation strike call.

So are you going to pull out the strike?

I have reiterated it many times that strikes and agitation is a forced choice for us. We understand the troubles that the general public has face due to it, but we request to understand our compulsion. Our agitation will continue and become even intense unless the state responds to our demands. The ongoing transportation will continue.

Will a feeble protest like this fulfill your alliance’s demands?

We are looking plan to review the existing scenario and launch even stern agitation programs. We wont pull out unless our demands are addressed by the state.

But the government is hell bent on holding CA elections, even by detaining dissidents?

If the government is planning to arrest us, as rumored, than we welcome it open heartedly. We are ready for being arrested. But that is not the way to address the issue.

UCPN Maoist and other parties are looking forward to bring your alliance in CA by offering 26 seats. What is your opinion?

We are agitating against the present process of holding CA elections. Expressions of giving 26 seats to us through the cabinet is an insult of our stance and revolution. It is definite that we wont be joining this process at any cost. If we are participate than it will be only after the change of the process.

Why do you think your demands and concerns were not addressed?

We have been kept out of the CA election process because all the three major political parties of loosing elections. UCPN Maoist thought that we would win it and Nepali Congress and CPN UML feared our re-union and consequent victory in the CA elections.

Amid your protest programs, Bomb blast incidents have increased?

We don’t have any information about these bomb blasts. We are in peaceful protests.

Then who is after these blasts?

Its obvious for agitated citizens and cadres to resort to vandalism and rebellion. The government and major parties invited all these and they should take the sole responsibility.

Prachanda thanked your protests programs?
Prachanda deceived the nation and its people. He has superseded the erstwhile reactionaries in deception. He now belongs to the reactionary brotherhood.

Foreigners interest in election and protest has soared up. How do you access it?

Foreigners dont have the right to comment or criticize on Nepal’s internal affairs. We don’t need anyone’s advice or suggestions, we are capable to resolve our own problems.

———————————————————

Interview Translated and Edited by Chitra Raj Bhandari. Read the Nepali Version of Mohan Baidya’s Interview here.

Leading proponent of the civil society movement in Nepal and former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana has been expressing dissatisfaction towards the ongoing preparations to hold second rung of Constituent Assembly (CA) elections by not bringing dissident political parties headed by the CPN Maoist, into confidence. He is of the opinion that the proposed CA elections will contribute in increasing conflict in the nation. Nepali Reporters’ Rishi Dhamala and Chitra Raj Bhandari recently took up issues surrounding the latest political developments. Excerpts:

Will there be CA election on November 19?

Well supporters of holding CA elections on the date have said that the elections will be held. The elections might be held but it does not seems to be providing an exit, as it ought to have.

Why cant it provide an exit?
To find an answer to this question we should retrace our courses of actions and factors behind it. We have been through conflict to peace. The erstwhile CA could not draft the constitution due to its stress on doing it through consensus. For the past one and half year, political course has maintained status quo and that too a consensual exit. Therefore the CA election, which is termed as an exit to the status quo, should be held in consensus. The credibility of a CA election held without consensus of providing resolution therefore is under serious question.

Are you supporting dissident political forces?
The state has lacked stance. Why did the state held dialogue with forces that were boycotting elections. And even if it did, why did it pull out of the negotiations without taking it to a logical conclusion? Who had directed to hold negotiations? It would have taken these groups as dissident forces unwilling to hold CA elections. The state seriously lacked clear policy.

CPN Maoist is warned of not being recognizing as a political force.

Its not an issue of who recognizes whom? We have also credibility through revolution. Each government tries to suppress and trample revolutionaries. It should suppress, if it can. And if it prevails in the suppression, it gets credibility and leads the nation into conflict.

So will this election provide exit to the nation or lead it into conflict?

There are no signs of the nation getting an outlet from conflict.

Parties have claimed elections will provide exit.

If their wish would count, than they would provided the constitution itself. If things were to happen as per their wishes, than the peace process would have been effectively concluded. What have they actually done so far, as they had promised? In my opinion, this election wont provide an outlet.

So who should strive for exit?

The President should have taken initiatives in that regard, but he couldnt. We should have taken, and we are doing it by expressing our opion in this matter. But no one is interested in listening to us. This situation would not have arosed, if they had tried to listen to us. These political party leaders dont want to listen to the opinions of the Nepal and Nepalese.

But the peace process has been concluded isnt it?

Peace process is not limited only to army, its also related to constitution. The nation is constitutionless for the past six years. Even the interim constitution has been tatterred with numerous revisions.

Isnt the CA necessary to draft the new constitution?

First of all, factors detering the first CA from drafting the constitution, should have been discussed. Its not an necessity to take the same course, after it had failed to do so in the first instance itself. Where is the discusions held on those shortcomings.

But this time around parties have promised to draft constitution within six months?

They had made the same promise earlier also.

Will the citizen take part in the elections?

Holding the CA elections and securing participation of the general public is not the only concern here. If election was sufficient then there would have no necessity for national consensus and reconcillation. This election is being held by boycotting not only Baidya ( ref to CPN Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidya) but many forces who are in favor finding a outlet. This is an election that will take the nation into conflict.

It means this is not an election desired by the Nepalese?

Nepali faces are holding this election, Nepali will cast votes, Nepali will win and Nepali will enter CA, but that wont resolve Nepal’s problem. This is an election held by politicians in alluring promises of getting into power. First of all peace process should be implemented as per international norms. Truth and Reconcilliation Commission and other transitional justice mechanisms have not been formed and war crimes still remained untried. They cant implement proceedings of the peace process, they cant draft the constitution, does talking about outlet is the only they can do? Nepali people are in favor of elections but not an elections held without consensus.

So who forced parties to hold the elections?

They are holding CA elections to cover their own mistakes. They failed to keep their promises made to the public and the present initiative is an attempt on their part to cover up all those unfulfilled promises. How could it be wrong to ask for a round table conference at a time when there is a dire need of consensus. Every nation that passed through conflict has organized round table conferences.

But round table conferences have delivered outlet?

It should be convened in a way that can provide outlet. Otherwise a modality that promises outlet should be opted.

Are you asserting that outlet cannot be gained by boycotting CPN Maoist?

CPN Maoist is symbol that represents one of the active forces from the conflict. General people like me think that this election will infuriate conflict.

So is there an alternative to election?

Yes, there is. The only alternative is to hold CA elections in consensus through dialogue. If held otherwise, it will fuel conflict instead of providing outlet.

But political parties did try to bring CPN Maoist on board?

They havent made any efforts. The negotiations were never focused on bringing them on board. Nation cannot be held hostage to retain Khilaraj Regmi as Chief Justice. One cannot remain a democrat and keep a single person as the chief justice and prime minister. This was not a Nepali agenda. I dont want to accuse any of our friendly nations, as rumored. Nepalese politicians failed to provide resolution to the situation, if they had done the CPN Maoist would have also supported it.

Can an independent person like you should support any political party?

Yes, I do. Why shouldnt I? I have always come through party system. And here I am expressing my opinion on an issue. I supported the CA but now i am against it because it cant provide outlet. Media has also failed to remain neutral. This condition would have never arosed, if the media had given appropriate attention to this issue.

Can Khilaraj’s resignation from Chief Justice provide outlet?

It would have been better if he had resigned. He is himself a person who respects rule of law. He should have known that he cannot hold both executive posts in a democratic set up. He should have denied the proposal. His positioning as the CJ and PM, sabotaged democracy in the nation. The present elections are being held to this new breed of democracy. It should be averted, its an effort to find outlet through conflict.

Can the Maoist still be brought to elections?
Negotiations should be held and earnest efforts should be made to bring it on board. It has been kept out of the mainstream for political benefits. Primarily the UCPN Maoist is fulfilling its own purposes by doing so. And other political parties are supporting it blindly. All political parties should stand as equal stakeholders of peace process and move ahead in consensus.

The Maoists have already started confrontation?
Nation has been entangled in differences of both Maoist parties. In the past the Maoist had pushed the nation into conflict and today their differences are pushing it another conflict. Other political parties have remained silent spectators in allure of getting into power. The nation has lost its credibility due to this existing state of affairs. However I am still in favor of the CPN Maoist boycotting CA elections in peaceful manner. They should not restaint anyone from using their rights to vote.

Sujata Koirala is often noted for quick decision and frank note of dissent against own and other political party leaders. Nepali Reporter’s Rishi Dhamala recently talked with this Nepali Congress’s influential women leader on the ongoing efforts of political parties to hold CA elections. Here are the excerpts:

Does Congress think that CA elections are possible without CPN Maoist’s participation?

Central committee meeting of the party is scheduled for next week and this meeting is expected to come up with party’s official stand on the issue. But in my personal opinion, I think that all the parties should be participating in the CA elections as the only purpose of the election is to draft the constitution. And such an task should be done in consensus. The election cannot be held through the consensus of four parties alone and therefore all parties should be taken into confidence. This will ensure free, fair and impartial elections.

What is Congress’ plan to bring disgruntled parties into confidence?

Party President Sushil Koirala is presently in talks with all those disgruntled political parties. Objections and demands of those parties should be identified and efforts should be made to address them for paving way to their participation in the CA elections. Decisions taken by the major political parties by keeping any of the political party cannot be successful in holding CA elections.
Aren’t four parties doing all the things around?

Yes, they are doing. But they haven’t succeeded in moving ahead. Nepali Congress should move ahead by incorporating consensus, cooperation and unity. Continuous efforts are necessary for success and Congress should not leave any stone unturned.

So Nepal can’t have CA elections if disgruntled don’t join it?

Well, its not like that. They will definitely join elections. They are in talks with the government and i have heard that these talks are moving in positive direction as they have shown greater flexibility in their demands. But their talks with four parties have been not positive comparatively. There is a need to figure out issues that are not compatible between them and efforts should be made to address them. There is a force within the four party that does not wants these disgruntled political parties to join CA election.

Which of the four parties might be the one?

When they hold talks with the talks are positive but when they hold talks with four parties on the same issue, the talks don’t yield positive results. Why? There is some conspirator within the four parties and we are trying to nail it down. These conspiracies cannot move any further, it has to be stopped to secure democracy.

Can Congress bring Maoist into confidence when it will lead HLPM?

So far Congress has not been able to take appropriate decision due to lack of discussion on the issue in the central committee meeting. Two three leaders have been running the party and this trend has seriously damaged party’s image and standing on important issues. We are trying to figure out power centers within the party that avert central committee meetings.

Though party president Koirala is presently is in talks with the disgruntled political parties, the efforts are not sufficient. The party should officially form a team to hold such talks. The team should represent members with independent views so as to avert domination of a single group.

The HLPM succeeded in bringing Upendra Yadav led group in CA elections?

Well I was confident that their group will join. Yadav’s group and the four parties have lot of common grounds and it was not difficult to address their demands. But the challenge is to bring the CPN Maoist and it allies into confidence because they have lots of differences.

Mohan Baidya aka “Kiran” is a leading communist leader in Nepal. He is the Chairman of the oft quoted “hardliner’ communist party; CPN-Maoist. Nepalireporter’s Rishi Dhamala recently caught up with this communist ideologue and discussed issues concerning proposed Constituent Assembly (CA) elections, his party and its alliance’s denial to join them and the proposed unification of his party with the UCPN (Maoist). Here are the excerpts:

What are discussions between you and UCPN Maoist centered on?

We have been discussing issues related to the proposed CA elections with various political parties. Talks with them (UCPN Maoist leaders) were also part of it. Though we have talked about these issues earlier also, this time around also the talks revolved around it.

Did Prachanda propose for party unification?

No, he did not. There is no possibility of party unification presently and the issue was not raised in the talks.

But the Chinese leaders advised for party unification? Isn’t it?

We have separated. Our parties are moving ahead with our own ideologies. We have our own ideologies and perceptions. In such circumstances there is no possibility of party unification. It is good of Yang Jeichi to advise neighboring nations’ politician on moving forward jointly, but in the end its our choice on how we want to move ahead. Its our choice to move ahead as per our party’s principle and ideology.

Is Chinese assistance necessary to bring both of your parties together?

No, absolutely not. Some can think about this issue positively, but we don’t want anyone to take initiatives in this regard. Good friends and international community can wish that we may unite.

On Monday Jeichi nonetheless advised to you to unite. Isn’t it?

We haven’t even met. Media circulated reports that were not authentic. As I have not met him, how can I say that i have met him and he advised me to unify party with the UCPN Maoist? I am amazed why media circulated such news even though only my colleagues had held discussion with Mr. Jeichi during Tuesday’s program.

Nonetheless unification of two parties was expressed?

Its positive, if such a desire was expressed.

But if the same desire was expressed by India, than it would have been interference?

We don’t perceive every Indian statements in negative light. There are certain power there also who wish Nepal’s prosperity and development. We take suggestions positively but decide whether we should accept or reject them after analyzing them. We are independent and sovereign and our decisions should be ours. Unification of both parties are just baseless rumors and I don’t have to speak lies.

So your parties are not unifying?
Yes, there is not possibility of party unification right now. We have separated and we both have different ideologies and principles, there fore there is no possibility of unification.

Are you mulling to cooperate in CA elections?
Presently cooperation in CA elections also does not seems possible. We are in negotiations and if our demands are not addressed than we won’t even participate in the CA elections. But that does not means that we are against holding CA elections. But in status quo, we will boycott elections. Primary step towards creating conducive environment should be created by stopping the present process to hold CA elections and than holding meaningful discussions on our demands. Once our demands are addressed and we decide to contend the election than we will think of making electoral alliances.

Will your parties unite, if Prachanda proposes to unify party in your leadership?

We’ll this is a hypothetical question. Its not possible at all.

What is the possibility of commits parties to face elections jointly?

Some communist parties are limited to their names only. They lack communist faith. Even though the erstwhile CA had 62 percent communist parties, they could not unite. However unification between true communist parties is essential.

So what happens if election is held on November 19?

Even though politicians are saying that the elections will be held on November 19. But we don’t think its possible. And even if it happens we will boycott it actively. This will be not for the first time that we will boycott elections.

Mohan Bikram Singh is a revered left leader in Nepal. He has been credited for furthering communist ideology in the UCPN Maoist Chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal too. As general secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal- Mashal, a hardliner setup, Singh has lead a reclusive communist ideologue and an inspiration to many of the present day left leaders in Nepal. Nepali Reporter’s Rishi Dhamala recently talked with him on issues surrounding Nepal’s recent political changes and the proposed Constituent Elections. Here are the edited excerpts:

How do you perceive present political situation in Nepal?

The nation is presently going through a lot of uncertainty. Political parties are leading the nation in a totally wrong way. We have strong objections against it. They have committed series of wrong and unfortunate steps. Even after extending the Constituent Assembly tenure for four years, political parties failed to draft the promised constitution.

They have installed a non-political government and appointed Lok Man Singh Karki as the head of the CIAA despite all round protests against it.

What is the point in your protests, when four parties have formed the government in consensus?

That is the main concern. Four major political parties have pushed the nation into crisis time and again.  The decisions made by them in consensus have been of misleading nature and such decisions have affected the national growth. We cannot endorse such decisions that are affecting the national image. Though some of such decisions seem to bring some respite to the status quo, these decisions are doomed to ultimately push the nation into further crisis.

We cannot endorse these decisions and that is where we have strong reservations against the four-party monopoly. People will confront such authoritative tendencies sooner or later. It was not long ago Nepalese took to road against the monarchy. 

Other parties have also done nothing but pointing out the errors of major political parties. How do you justify it?

Unprecedented results are eminent from the wrong policy implemented by the major political parties. We have constantly opposed such policies and decisions made by them. We have continuously tried to  correct the wrong decisions of the major political parties and advocated to make responsive policies for the nation by considering national and regional geo-political circumstances.

 Do you expect CA elections in November? 

We surely want that CA elections are held in November. So far we have not seen any grounds to be optimistic for holding CA elections in November. The policies adopted by major political parties do not seem to be aimed at preparing ground work for holding CA elections in November.

Major political parties are working aggressively for holding CA elections in November? 

During the four years of the erstwhile CA, these same major political parties did not get tired of reaffirming that the CA will draft the constitution. But they were not able to deliver their promise. It has nonetheless given a lesson that you cannot trust whatever politicians promise. The government might hold the CA elections if the public puts pressure on it. Otherwise I don’t see any basis for it.
Well the government has reiterated its plan to hold CA elections in November?

Major concern here is not the extent of government’s commitment to hold CA elections. Activities of the High Level Political Mechanism that is governing the government is questionable. Specially activities of the UCPN Maoist do not seem to be pointing towards CA elections.

Do you still doubt UCPN Maoist’s intentions?

Yes. UCPN Maoist is still looking forward to capture state power by not holding CA elections. This has made us more suspectible towards their commitment to hold CA elections. That party is working towards foiling the CA election bid instead of supporting the initiative.

Do you want to say Prachanda vying for Premiership again?

Well they (UCPN Maoist) don’t want to elect a new CA. That party is presently working on two alternatives. Their plan A is to foil CA election and capture the state power. Their plan B is to reinstate the erstwhile CA in which they are the largest party.

How do you take the recent CPN & UCPN Maoist unification initiative?

Prachanda’s stress has been on unification because he knows that CA election results won’t be favorable if they contend each other. However present policy and statements of the CPN Maoist leaders does not seems to complying with Prachanda’s proposal. Baidya’s party has termed the UCPN Maoist as neo-revisionist. And we too think along the same lines. The pro-Indian policy of the UCPN Maoist is the major hurdle in the unification of these parties. If they do unite than the down-fall of the Baidya group is also imminent.

Whats your stand on the threshold debate?

We are not in favor of imposing threshold laws. CA elections should be held as they were earlier. Threshold regulation has been introduced as a conspiracy to quash small political parties. Every vote received by political parties should be utilized in the CA. However our protests should not be taken as protests of the minority.

What about the debate on number of seats in CA?

Total number of seats in the CA should be minimum. Number of seats should not be increased for nourishing party cadres. Number of CA members should be lower than what major political parties have agreed to.

So what is your party’s stance on federalism?

We don’t want federalism. As a small nation with diversity and surrounded by India on three sides, Nepal’s nationality will weaken if it embraces federalism. Its national sovereignty will be affected. Instead of federalism, Nepal should adopt a decentralized governance model. There are many nations who have been affected by the backdrops of federalism, Nepal should learn from them instead of being a victim.

While Nepal’s major political parties are trying to pave way for holding new Constituent Assembly (CA) elections in November, the Mohan Baidya led CPN Maoist and its alliance of 33 political parties have been continuously opposing their initiatives. Pampha Bhusal spokesperson of the CPN Maoist and an influential leader has been in continuously discussion with the major political parties on the issue. Nepali Reporters’ Rishi Dhamala discussed these issues with this leader, who is sometime tagged as a unrelenting hardliner in the party. Here are the edited excerpts:

Why is your party warning of war to avert CA elections?

We have not warned war but there can be no elections under status quo. An undemocratic process cannot yield a democratic outcome. CA election is a grand design to sabotage Nepal’s sovereignty under the camouflage of elections. We cannot support such an elections.

But don’t elections strengthen democracy?

Lendup Dorje had also convened elections. And there are tryants and dictators who had also convened elections including the tyrannous Panchayat regime. But did those elections provide sovereign rights to the Nepali people? We should not forget the fact that all elections are not in favor of the nation and its citizen.

Why should we afraid of competing in the elections? No one can face the Nepali people as we can do because we are in politics by relying solely on people’s support.

Do you think you have people’s support?

Why not. Nepali people want to safe guard national sovereignty, integrity, and independence. Along with that people want resolution to existing internal disputes between various national forces. Our party’s major objective is to address these two concerns and empower the people by providing them their due rights as citizen of this nation. This is why we have support of the people.

Present initiatives forwarded under the camouflage of CA elections are in fact part of a grand design to sabotage the achievements of the great revolution, to push the nation into regression, and to push the nation on the path of Sikkimization. We can perceive these setbacks and therefore want to take part in the CA elections held under status quo.

Why would someone weaken national integrity intentionally?

An undemocratic government is formed by ending multiparty democracy, and by ending all the achievements of the great revolution. This has squeezed people’s right and has also endangered the existence of the nation also.

But the incumbent government was formed under aegis of major political parties?

The present Regmi government was formed under the initiatives of some politicians and power brokers who have nexus with external power sources rather than in mutual understanding of the major political parties. These same forces had foiled the efforts to promulgate the new constitution even though the erstwhile CA had almost finalized most of the contentions. In such a context it is baseless to hope that these regressive forces will not act again as directed by their foreign masters to spoil Nepalese people effort to draft a new constitution. The initiative to hold CA elections has raked up various issues including providing citizenship to foreigners and some direct interference in national economy. But holding CA elections under status quo will endanger national sovereignty too. Any understanding reached between two-three foreign power brokers and agents cannot be a national consensus.

Don’t you its an excuse to point at foreign interventions for hiding your inactions.

While we raising our voices for national sovereignty we are not only pointing to foreign interferences. We are also protesting against those power brokers and surrenderist politicians.

Do you have any idea of scenario if CA elections are not held?

Under the garb of CA elections citizenships have been provided to foreigners that will ultimately render Nepali citizens minority. The nation has been pushed on the way to Sikkimization and thereby ending national sovereignty of Nepal without even spending a bullet. Any elections that will be instrumental in creating a body that will endorse the sikkimization of Nepal in the future is not necessary for the Nepalese people.

So what next?

The March 14 understanding that paved way for the formation of the incumbent government by sabotaging all the achievements of the Nepali people including the interim constitution should be corrected. That understanding paved way for the establishment of a authoritative regime by ending democracy in the nation. Such regressive should be corrected primarily.

What will your party if CA elections are held in November?

First they said to hold elections in June than they postponed it for November. Under status quo, CA elections are not possible in Marcha also. Even if the election is held, we will not participate in it not for foiling it but to preserve national sovereignty. First Nepalese should save the nation and than only plan for its economic, social and other developments. CA elections that are held unless a situation that empowers Nepalese to think for themselves is created, is pointless.

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Translated and Edited by Chitra Raj Bhandari. Follow me on Twitter

UCPN Maoist leader and former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has remained in limelight for a long time for various reasons. Regarded as the architect of the Maoist insurgency and a core planner of the party’s pre and post peace efforts, he was also the PM of the government which witnessed the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly for which his own party had fought the ten year long people’s war. Nepali Reporters’ Rishi Dhamala recently caught up with this Maoist ideologue to discuss his party and his achievements in the post peace era and their future strategy.
Here are the edited excerpts.

How confident are you in holding the next CA elections?

CA elections should be held at any cost. There is no alternative to it. And this was the reason for which I had handed the reigns of the government to the Chief Justice.

Did you resign after failing to hold CA elections?

Reluctance of some political powers to participate in the elections and even Presidents reluctance to endorse some necessary ordinance hindered the creation of conducive environment for holding CA elections. Handing over the reigns to the Chief Justice was a suitable option that would preserve democracy and hold CA elections.

Being a democrat, how could you endorse the formation of an undemocratic government?

It would be better if you would ask this question to those who created that environment by not allowing an elected Prime Minister to hold CA elections. Baburam Bhattarai did his best to preserve the CA. Before the CA dissolved on May 28, my cabinet had prepared an ordinance to extend the tenure of CA but Nepali Congress (NC) President Sushil Koirala opposed it and also called back his party’s minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula from the government. Than also I had made efforts to extend the tenure by imposing emergency, but than the President denied to cooperate. Except Deuba, no one backed my proposal and ultimately CA was dissolved.

How responsible do you think you are for the CA’s dissolution?

It was my fallacy not to realize that Nepal’s politics was crooked and on top of that to be hopeful till the last minute that major political parties will not allow the dissolution of the CA.
It was my fault to wait for the political parties to create conducive environment but the CA elections would have been conducted. I had announced elections but it required making changes to the constitution. But the President never endorsed those ordinances. So, it is important to understand that I intended to hold elections but was not allowed to do so by not endorsing necessary ordinances.

But with the dissolution of CA, didn’t your party lost its own agenda?

Mahendra had sabotaged the first foetus of CA in Nepal. After that it was me who had once again germinated the seed. And we have not last hope to draft the constitution with the dissolution of the CA. Adult couples can have another child even though they face an unfortunate abortion.

But aged couples who have lost fertility power cannot have children. There are some political parties in Nepal who have even done vasectomie (permanent family planning method done by males). They cannot give birth to CA, but Maoist can give and rear another CA.

While still at office once you had said key to the power was somewhere else?

I have never said so. I would like to request media friends for giving up the habit of not accepting the truth and distributing unverified rumors. I have never said that key to Nepal fate rested in external sources. Nepalese people have the sovereign power in themselves.

But don’t you think Nepal’s politicians have been influenced by external power sources?

You must remember that the Maoist power had changed this reality. We were forced to reliant on external sources since the Sugauli Treaty. External sources have been intervening in our internal affairs since than. Its obvious for such soured to interfere when we are not united internally.

Were these external sources behind the formation of incumbent Regmi government?

We had two options to hold CA elections. First, as elected PM I should have been given the opportunity to hold CA elections. But as opposition parties were reluctant forming an electoral government in the leadership of the Chief Justice, as was done in Greece and Bangladesh, was the best option. It was our idea and external power sources supported and backed this notion.

But your former counterpart, Mohan Baidya has claimed that it was Indian plan?
I don’t want to comment about them. I would let history judge this. They parted from us by putting forward ideological differences. They are still to be tested. But I can see that their approach is not practical and thus is doomed to be failure.
Will there be CA elections if Baidya’s party does not participate in it?

They are presently in dilemma. They might opt to participate in the elections. But even if they don’t participate CA elections will be held. Its not possible to fulfill their demands. There is no alternative to the Regmi government. Prior to this NC and UML were not cooperating but now as all major parties together, CA elections will be held. A date for it should be announced at the earliest. Its only Baidya’ party in their 33 party coalition who are in dilemma to participate in the elections. Rest of them want to go for elections.

So Nepalese can hold CA elections themselves?

Yes. There is no alternative to CA elections and multiparty democracy. Elections are necessary to institutionalize democracy in Nepal. Our neighbor are also in favor of democracy, stability, peace and development.

Did the President tried to oust you?

Everyone knows that the President had made multiple attempts to oust me. I won’t say that he intended to impose a coupe. But he made it hard for my government by not endorsing necessary ordinances. Present interim constitution has nowhere given him the right to reject any ordinances endorsed by the cabinet. As a patron of the constitution, he should not have worked against its directives.

So the President failed your government?

I don’t know how much the President used his conscience in doing those decisions. But he was used by those powers who could not see the Maoists, the forerunner of change, lead the movement.

So was your government a total failure?

No. People will remember the Bhattarai government for concluding the peace process, for expanding the Kathmandu roads, and for finalizing mega projects like the West Seti and for starting the procurement of new jets for Nepal Airlines.

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Translated and Edited by Chitra Raj Bhandari.

Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala has stood against party’s decision to form electoral government in the leadership of Chief Justice Khilaraj Regmi. While expressing his dissatisfaction with his party leadership, Koirala has warned to take up the issue in all fronts of the party. Nepali Reporters’s Rishi Dhamal recent talked with this hard core democrat recently. Here are the excerpts:

Has Nepali Congress endorsed the decision to form CJ led government unanimously?

The party has not taken such decisions. All Central Committee member of the party have stood against the decision to put a single person in charge of the judiciary and the government. In such conditions, the party leadership does not have any rights to take decisions that are against the party’s decision. Thats we are not ready to put Chief Justice in the Prime Minister’s chair at any cost.

But isn’t it necessity to form CJ led government to resolve status quo?

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has been heading towards totalitarianism. In such a condition if a single person is given the reins of both- judiciary and the executive, then that person is bound to be an authoritarian and dictator. This has been proved by many historical incidents. Considering such historial evidences, Nepali Congress should not concede to remove one dictator with another prospective dictator. Congress should not support any move that tramples constitution and endangers multi party democracy under the hide of resolution.

That means you will not accept CJ led electoral government?

We cannot pave way for the rise of a dictator to remove existing dictator. But Iam afraid thats just what our senior leaders are doing. We haven’t given such authority to our party leadership and if they do it, we won’t let them go with it.

How can you say that the CJ will be dictator once he becomes the PM?

We are not talking about the Chief Justice. We are talking about the Chief Justice who will also be the executive.You are confusing it. Khilaraj Regmi and Chief Justice are both different entities. I want to see Khilaraj Regmi as a Prime Minister but i don’t want to see a chief justice having executive authorities too. Im fully confident in the proposition that bestowing two authorities upon a single individual transforms him into a dictator.
But parties have decided that Khilaraj won’t have any relation with the judiciary on becoming PM?

Political decisions do not make any sense here as long as Khilaraj Regmi is recognised constitutionally as the Chief Justice and Prime Minister of Nepal. Now how can a single person occupy both of these positions. Parties must point out this provision in the constitution to me.

Bangladesh’s Chief Justice had also held similar position for similar role

There are many dictators in this world who have held elections. Baburam Bhattarai was also ready to hold elections but we did not accept it because he was turning totalitarian. If a person is posited with executive, legislative, and judiciary powers then his commands must be obeyed. And this our concern presently.
Does this confrontation in your party hints at polarisation?

No, I don’t see this as polarisation. Leaders of Nepali Congress who have sacrificed their whole life for democracy are committed to it. Leaders like Sushil, Sher Bahadur, Ram Chandra and others like them are trying to sabotage the core fundamentals of the party. We have stood to our stance that has its basis on democratic norms and the principle of power division in a democratic nation. Therefore senior leaders should themselves decide where they want to stand.

What should be done to resolve the status quo then?

Election is the only way to resolve the political status quo. But the nature of election is the major concern here. And though election is necessary to keep democracy active, present conditions are not favourable to hold election. Though some citizen’s parents are Nepali they don’t have citizenship, and no one is interested to resolve this issue.

The nation has two voters list. One prepared during the earlier CA elections and one prepard by the election commission. Which will be the basis for election? In other nations only citizens can vote, but here whenever there are elections, demands to allow voters without voter IDs come forward. In such conditions how do you expect to hold fair election?

Parties have decided to hold elections on May 14. How can you rule it out?

Elections on May 14 are impossible, even if parties have reached such an agreement. There are many complexities to materialise that agreement into action. There have been many such understandings in the past and none of them have been transformed, so how can yyou trust that this will be done? This agreement will never materialise. Political parties have pushed this nation towards totalitarianism by signing this deal.

Narayan Man Bijukche is one of most revered leftist politicians in Nepal and is mostly popular for his theoretical understanding of the leftist ideology and more than that his denial for assuming power in the state politics. As Chairman of Nepal Labor and Peasants Party, Bijukche aka Rohit is also equally taken as a dexterous political analyst and thinker. Reportersnepal.com’s Rishi Dhamala and Chitra Raj Bhandari spoke to this inspiring political think tank on issues related to Nepal’s political stalemate. Here are the edited excerpts.

Q. Is it possible to hold CA and local elections simultaneously?
Bijukche: Yes, it is possible by preparing two types of ballot papers. One of this paper should be made for selecting CA representative and other one for selecting local representative. The local body elections should be either held before the CA elections or during the CA elections.

Q Why are political parties mute on holding local elections?
Bijukche: The nation would not have been in this condition if the parties had some ideas or morality. We had stressed on the need to reinstate the local bodies or holding fresh elections 10 years earlier, but they denied to do any of that. Major political parties’ actions are determined by the orders of our foreign friends. Though the nation is undergoing such hardships, none of the major parties have come forward for holding local elections. None of them care for public’s sentiment. As responsible persons they must figure out the actual problem.  It is their primary responsibility to head for hospital, if the ailment gets serious. The aliment is serious now.

Q Are the CA elections possible in April/May
BIJUKCHE: Given the present circumstances, I don’t think it is possible. There are host of provisions in the Interim Constitution to be amended and besides it major political parties are ever slipping away from their commitment and stance. Lack of trust between major political parties have positioned them apart. In such circumstances, coming together for amending existing laws and making new laws for holding CA elections within April/May seems to be a ambitious task.

Q Amending Interim Constitution is a contended issue among major parties. What would be suitable process for it and why are major parties not resorting to it.
BIJUKCHE: Constitution amendment has become a contentious issue due to the unwillingness of political parties to work in national interest. The most suitable and best alternative to amend the Interim Constitution would be to use the Presidential rights. Even though lead parties are well aware of this alternative, they fear that using it might foster Presidential rule and eventually rob them of the state reins.

Q So, where do you think Nepal is heading? And what should the President do?

Trust defect between political parties and their incapability to transcend over personal and partisan interests is moving the nation towards anarchy. The President should take the reins in his hands for some days with the consent of political parties. This will pave way for reseting the political course. But, as i told earlier, the lead political parties will never urge the President to do so.

Q, Can the President remove Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai?

Why not, if all political parties urge the President for such an action. The President himself can’t take such an action, but if all political parties urge him to do so, he definitely can do so by taking the state reins in control.

Q The opposition is obstructing budget. What is your appraisal of the confrontation?

Surrenderism on the part of opposition parties can lead the nation towards anarchy. Strong opposition is the backbone of a strong democracy. But in Nepal, opposition parties have utterly failed to exhibit a strong and leading role. Both Nepali Congress and CPN UML have failed to take strong stance on resolving political status quo. They have reflected lack of judgement and commitment to work for national interest. And this has brought the nation to the present condition.

Q Do you think PM Bhattarai will step down?

No one will step down from his position terming himself incapable. Similarly, Bhattarai will also not step down unless he is forced to do so. He must be pressurised to step down. However, Bhattarai is not holding the PM’s stead on his own accord. His government is governed by external sources, as his party chairman Prachanda said earlier.