UML demands govt make the letter public

UML demands govt make the letter public

The main opposition party CPN-UML has demanded that the government release the letter it sent to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-offering assurances to address the demands of agitating Madhesi Morcha through a constitutional amendment. Claiming that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal through his special envoy Deputy PM Bimalendra Nidhi sent a letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, assuring for the amendment, the UML asked the government to make the letter public. "The constitution is a dynamic document and can be amended if needed," read a UML statement released on Wednesday. "However, it is Nepal's internal issue and has to be decided by the parties here." It has also strongly criticised the government for sending special envoys to "woo" the foreign forces, openly inviting them to influence internal matter.

The UML standing committee meeting on Tuesday also said that it will stand against the amendment which will only "legitimise foreign influence and take country into further instability". In the statement, the party said the discussion on the constitution has to be done with the parties here not with the foreign authority. The UML decision comes at a time when the government, as per the demand of the agitating regional parties, is preparing to register an amendment bill in the Legislature-Parliament before PM embarks on India visit on September 15. The party has also asked the government to determine the numbers of local units across the country as per the recommendation of the Local Level Restructuring Commission. "Dragging an independent body into controversy shows an intent of not holding the elections on time," the statement reads, demanding to hold the elections immediately. The ruling Nepali Congress has been demanding an increase in the numbers of local units to 1,000 from 565 proposed by the commission.