WASTING TIME

WASTING TIME

It was not surprising to read the news report (“Chances of new statute by Jan 22 slim: Bhattarai” 14 Dec, Page 2) while closely observing the ongoing political activities of the major political parties. Had they been serious, sincere and committed in the first CA, they could have easily drafted the constitution. They completely failed to keep up their promises made to the people. Now this time also, it seems that they will not be able to do so. People are wondering now what they are (major political parties) going to do instead, if they fail to do so. They have already wasted ten months in the name of forging consensus and are still far from doing so.

Time has come for them to use their common sense and realize that there is no other alternative to consensus among the stakeholders who had signed comprehensive peace agreement. However, it seems that there has not been any substantial progress made so far on the major issues of constitution: federalism, forms of governance, electoral and judiciary system. Blame game has started between the ruling and opposition parties. If this game continues to take place, the chances of political rift between them seem high hampering the constitution drafting process.

Unless they rise above their political manifest and become ready to compromise on these issues, the chances of coming to consensus seem dismal. They seem wasting their valuable time on unproductive deliberation sticking to their guns. Was it necessary to federate Nepal? For whose sake, they do not want to compromise on these four major issues? Why don’t they go to the people seeking their opinion on these issues and settle them once for all the time? If they again make the political blunder, I am sure; they will have difficult time to face their voters.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj