In yet another evident difference with party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, UCPN (Maoist) Vice Chairman Baburam Bhattarai has suggested that a “package deal” among the political parties need not revolve round change in government.
Bhattarai made the observation on Monday during a meeting with a select group of reporters from daily newspapers. Bhattarai’s remarks come a day after Dahal urged Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala to withdraw the NC candidacy from the futile prime ministerial race. Such a move, suggested the Maoist party deputy chief, will pave the way for a subsequent “package deal.”
Bhattarai’s “package”, meanwhile, views Poudel’s withdrawal as part of the larger package, it being a precondition to such a package.
“The major parties, including the Maoists, NC, UML and Madhes-based parties should sit for serious dialogue to agree on a package on the remaining tasks of peace, constitution and reach an understanding on power sharing,” said Bhattarai. He urged top leaders to give up the lust for power and focus on peace and constitution writing.
On the leadership of the new government, Bhattarai said this dispute should be resolved jointly by all parties rather than forwarding the specific name of any party or individual. “We should find a common candidate through a joint decision of the major parties.” He, however, clarified that he does not have any desire to become the prime minister and that his focus is on peace and the constitution.
He also claimed to have developed different models of power sharing that would be acceptable to all parties.
His line contradicts the line taken by Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and another Vice Chairman Mohan Baidya. Both Dahal and Bhattarai are saying the party should stay in opposition if a new government is not formed under Dahal’s leadership.
Bhattarai, who is the former finance minister, has suggested finding a common candidate through the package deal to end inter-party and intra-party rifts regarding the leadership of the government.
Some Maoist leaders are saying that the Maoists should not take any concrete decision regarding peace, constitution and power sharing before the extended plenum slated for Nov. 21.
Bhattarai, however, said they can take any decision related to peace and constitution before that.
“Till now, our official stance is the promulgation of a new constitution from CA and leading the peace process to a logical end. We can make a deal with the other parties on these issues before the plenum also,” said Bhattarai.
Bhattarai seems clear that there is no option for the party but to follow the ongoing path of peace and constitution.
He is for finding a ‘middle path’ on peace and constitution by making alliances with the main political forces and forming a coalition government.
At a time when there is fear that the country will plunge into crisis after UNMIN’s exit, Bhattarai is saying that extension of UNMIN’s tenure could be possible if the parties arrive at a package deal before that.
“If we are able to make substantial progress before the termination of UNMIN’s mandate we can seek another extension.”
Chairman Dahal is making efforts to make a single document before the plenum but Bhattarai dismissed the possibility and said only the plenum can come up with a single document.
Posted on: 2010-11-02 08:19
The Kathmandu Post
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