Nepal opposition party to oppose amending statute

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s main opposition party will not support a constitution amendment bill aimed at addressing the grievances of Madhes-based parties, its leader said on Sunday.

Madhesi parties have demanded the amendment to the statute as a precondition for their participation in the local election slated for September 18 in Province no 2, considered the Madhesi heartland. “We will not allow its passage,” said CPN-UML leader KP Sharma Oli on Sunday. It has a hidden design to split Hill, Mountain and Tarai ( Madhes) regions, he said. “It is also against the national interest, so the UML is not going to support it.”

Oli’s hardline position comes as CPN-UML has emerged victorious and had a better showing than ruling Nepali Congress, the largest party in parliament, in the first and second rounds of local elections. A two-thirds majority is required to pass the constitution amendment bill in parliament. Those favouring the amendment do not enjoy majority. Only a split voting in UML-led opposition alliance will ensure two-thirds majority.

The UML dubbed the amendment as an ‘anti-national’ move designed to split Nepal that also disturbs the ethnic harmony existing for centuries.