NC leaders against joining new govt

Kantipur Report

KATHMANDU, April 23 - Some intellectual leaders of Nepali Congress have argued that their party should not join the future government to be formed under Maoist leaders but should concentrate on making a democratic constitution from outside.

Speaking at an interaction on "Constituent Assembly poll mandate, a discussion" in the capital Tuesday, they argued that NC, which failed even to protect its candidates despite holding the portfolio of Home and Defense besides the prime ministerial perch, cannot work for the people from a Maoist-dominated government. "In such a situation, how can we work for democracy and protect our cadres from Maoist attack by taking charge of some low-profile ministries," said party General Secretary Bimalendra Nidhi. He said the party should first stop Maoists from misusing state resources and power through outside pressure and ensure safety of NC cadres.

"It will be a suicidal move to decide in haste to join the government before ensuring that Maoists return property looted by them, guarantee safe return of our cadres and genuinely respect the peace agreements," said NC leader Dip Kumar Upadhyay.

Claiming that NC's leverage given to Maoists in all their crimes to bring them to the democratic process ultimately encouraged them to impose a reign of terror and be involved in massive booth capturing, Dr Ram Sharan Mahat said,

"Dissolution of the Maoists' paramilitary force must be made a precondition for future coalition." Another NC leader Nara Hari Acharya said government formation should be given third priority after enforcement of republic and drafting of a new constitution. NC leader Pradip Giri said he still doubts the Nepali Congress will stay out of government because of its undemocratic decision-making process.

Intellectuals Dr Krishna Hachhethu and Gobinda Subba and senior advocate Hari Har Dahal suggested that the party should not join the new government. "But NC must discuss in-depth how it can stop Maoists from turning into an authoritarian force," said Hachhethu.

Nilambar Acharya and Prof Krishna Khanal, however, suggested that the party ought to respect the poll's mandate, which has not given clear majority to any party. ...

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