PM Koirala meets leaders of MJF, other Terai centric parties
In a new political development, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and
coordinator of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) Upendra Yadav are learnt to
have reached a crucial understanding on amending the constitution for the
formation of the new government.
Emerging from the meeting, Yadav told media persons that PM Koirala was
positive towards MJF demand for constitutional amendment to include a
provision for the removal of the Prime Minister with a simple majority.
During the meeting held at Koirala's official residence in Baluwatar there
was also agreement on forming the new government immediately after
reaching a consensus on it with all the political parties.
Peace Minister Ram Chandra Poudel had accompanied the Prime Minister in
the meeting while Upendra Yadav was flanked by another MJF leader Bijaya
Kumar Gachhedhar, a former Nepali Congress central member.
After emerging as the fourth largest party in the Constituent Assembly
following the April 10 polls, MJF has intensified meetings with top
political parties to discuss the composition of the next government as it
is likely to form an important part of it.
The first meeting with PM Koirala since the polls, it came a day after MJF
leaders along with its allies Terai Madhesh Loktantric Party and
Sadbhawana Party met with top leaders of former arch-rival CPN-Maoist
wherein they reached understanding on forming the new government prior to
the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly.
Although during the meeting MJF coordinator Yadav and CPN-Maoist chairman
also reached an agreement on the new government nominating the 26 members
for the CA, the meeting failed to decide on constitutional amendment MJF
had been seeking as CPN-Maoist are opposed to the idea.
Immediately after the meeting with the MJF chief, PM Koirala held
discussion with other terai centric parties including TMLP and SP on
formation of the next government and its leadership.
Koirala is said to be rooting for a "respectful place" - something like
ceremonial president -- in the new government which is likely to be formed
under the leadership of the Maoists. However, majority of Central Working
Committee members of Nepali Congress have been pressuring him to give up
his 'lust' for presidency or remaining in power in any way. nepalnews.com ag May 12 08
