Mistakes

The Himalayan Times

13 September 2013

Mistakes

It is really sad to read the news report “Govt starts process to elect 601-strong CA” (THT, 12 September, Page 1) at such a time when the people had strongly criticized the huge size of the erstwhile CA that failed to give new constitution. It seems that this was simply a political game that the major political parties had played with the like-minded party that was made a medium to increase the number of CA from 491 to 601 for their own political sake. They have completely undermined the sentiments of all the common people who had shown a big concern of the effectiveness of this huge CA. It has been another blow to the people who wanted to see a small but committed and effective CA.

It does seem convincing that the second CA will also be successful in drafting the new constitution looking closely at the current political differences among the political parties. The big four had knowingly or unknowingly made a blunder of sidelining the Maoist led 32 political parties while they (Big four) had signed the 11 point deal and amending 25 articles of the Interim constitution (IC). This could be either their autocratic way of handling the current political situation or a suicidal game for their own end. Were they serious in holding the second CA or pretending to be serious to hold the second CA election? If they were serious, why didn’t they include the agitating parties on board at the beginning? There definitely smells a rat.

The President, as a patron of the IC, had to think twice before putting his stamp on the amendment of the IC that has been strongly opposed by the Maoist led agitating parties. It was not clear as to why he did not bother to consult with the other parties at that time rather than going along with the proposals of four party alliances and putting his stamp on the amendment.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu.