DIFFICULT DAYS
The Kathmandu Days
31
July 2016
DIFFICULT DAYS
The time has come now for the new coalition
government, supposedly to be led by Prachanda, to be sincere and serious in addressing
the political and constitutional issues raised by the Sanghiya Gathabandhan, a
larger alliance comprising the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) and
Janajati forces. Both the CPN MC and the NC’s senior leaders should waste no
time and should immediately sit with the disgruntled forces to bring them on
board and settle the problems once for all. The SLMM has clearly put forward
its position about joining the new government (“Morcha puts caveat to join
govt” 27 July, Page 1).
The Oli led government had missed this
opportunity due to prime minister’s anarchical working style. He continued demonstrating
empathy towards the agitating forces and showing his intention of tiring them
out. If I am not wrong, this was one of the reasons among others for his
government’s ouster. His domineering working approach contributed towards the polarisation
of the nation (“Mixed legacy” 26 July, Page 6). It is high time that the
new coalition government learned the necessary lessons from the Oli led government’s
mishandling of the Madhes issue and acted swiftly to resolve it.
However, it is yet to be seen how Prachanda
and Deuba would handle this political and constitutional problem. It seems that
UML will take the opposition bench and will act as an obstacle to amending the constitution.
If this happens, the forthcoming government will not be able to resolve the
political crisis inviting further political uncertainty which may affect the holding
of three tiers of election in the next 18 months. The implementation of new
constitution will also remain doubtful. This situation may create constitutional
crisis in the country. The big three need to be sensible and serious
considering the critical political situation during the remaining period of
this transitional phase.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
