Dolakha, Feb 14: Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has accused the leadership of the ruling Nepali Congress and the CPN UML of focusing not on amending the constitution but on overturning it and curtailing the rights of the people.
Speaking at the 30th People’s War Day celebration and the third convention of the Maoist Centre’s Jiri Municipality committee in Dolakha, Prachanda said, “Leaders of the UML and some factions of Congress see the influence of the Maoists in every preamble and provision of the constitution.” He further said, “They believe that the rights granted to women, Dalits, indigenous people, Madhesis, Muslims, Tharus, and other marginalized groups are excessive. Hence, they are not interested in amending the constitution but want to find an excuse to overthrow it.”
He recalled the incidents when the constitution was violated twice through the dissolution of the House of Representatives, stating that the tendency and efforts to undermine the constitution are still ongoing. “When I was removed from the government, constitution amendment was brought forward as the main agenda. But now, the current prime minister is saying that amendments will only happen in 2087 BS,” he added.
Prachanda noted that attempts to violate the constitution were thwarted by massive public protests when the parliament was previously dissolved. “Now they are encircling us from all sides to tear up the constitution and snatch away the rights of the people. But we are determined to make it even more prosperous and expand the people’s rights. We will unite the people to defend the constitution and ensure more rights,” he said.
Highlighting the compromises made during the constitution-drafting process, Prachanda emphasized that it is now time to push for a directly elected executive president and a fully proportional electoral system to achieve political stability and ensure more political rights for all communities.
Expressing pride in initiating a historic campaign for good governance, social justice, and prosperity during his third tenure as Prime Minister, Prachanda stated, “Under that campaign, even high-ranking political and administrative officials were held accountable for corruption.” He stressed that the fight against corruption is crucial for the country’s progress.
He further elaborated on various initiatives taken during his tenure, including implementing a social security fund for Nepalis working abroad, providing justice to victims of predatory lending, and drafting a law to grant citizenship to stateless individuals. He also mentioned the recovery efforts to revive the weakening economy, noting that the economy has been showing signs of improvement.
Prachanda highlighted the agreements made with India and China during his visits, particularly in the areas of electricity trade and agricultural production. He also shared that significant progress has been made in reopening traditional trade routes with China, including the Kodari Highway, which had been closed after the earthquake.
Referring to his removal from office, Prachanda said, “It wasn’t so much the leaders of Congress and UML who removed me but rather the middlemen, brokers, and land mafias who orchestrated the government change. They called the top leaders of Congress and UML to their homes and set the stage for a government change, which the people are well aware of.”
Stating that there can no longer be a free hand for corrupt practices, he urged the Nepali people to unite and show their strength. “We fought for the people in the past, and despite the state’s efforts to suppress us with violence, we brought about the federal democratic republic through the strength of the people, not by anyone’s mercy,” Prachanda said.
He also described Jiri, known as Nepal’s “Mini Switzerland,” as an important tourist destination with unique linguistic and cultural significance. During the event, Prachanda welcomed several individuals who had left other parties to join the Maoist Centre. #prachanda #nepal #PeoplesWar
