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VOL. 27, NO. 30, April 04, 2008 (Chaitra 22 2064 B.S.) |
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"If There Is Any Threat To The Election, It Is Just From The Maoists"
Sushil Koirala
Acting president of Nepali Congress (NC), SUSHIL KOIRALA is contesting from constituency no 3 of Banke district. He faces multiple competitions from candidates of CPN-UML, Maoists and Madhesi parties. He spoke to SPOTLIGHT about the various aspects of election. Excerpts:
What is the state of election?
The election is in final stage, party candidates are in door-to-door campaign. I have been taking part in election campaigns since last one month.
Still a large number of people have doubts whether the election will be held. What do you say?
I don't think the election is reversible now. If there is any threat to the election, it is just from the Maoists.
How do you see Nepali Congress' position?
We will secure majority as there is no other party with such a long and prestigious democratic credential.
Do you mean your party will form a single party government?
Despite winning the majority, we will form a national government with all the political parties in the parliament. We need support from all the parties like now. Girijababu has also said there is a need for seven party unity for a long period of time.
After the election, do you believe all the problems will be solved?
The CA is not a panacea that can resolve all the problems. It will definitely solve many political issues. The coming challenge is for economic development. We need to work together for economic development. However, as Nepali Congress is a centrist, liberal democratic party, only this party can bring about a democratic constitution.
How do you visualize the post election scenario in the present context of increasingly deteriorating relationship among three major parties of the seven party alliance?
We don't have any other option other than working together till the drafting of new constitution. Of course, the Maoists have been encouraging violent acts by threatening candidates and our supporters but that will not last. Had the Maoists controlled their YCL cadres, the situation would not have gone so bad.
What is the law and order situation in your district?
Although armed groups killed one of the candidates in Banke district, the situation has not gone completely out of control. The police administration needs to act promptly against anybody who tries to take the law in their hand. Police administration must show that there is no one above the law.
Have you faced any obstruction from the Maoists?
We have very friendly competition with other political parties. So far as my constituency is concerned, Maoists do not have strong presence. I have been receiving complaints from my party colleagues contesting from other parts of the country that Maoists are resorting to terror.
Maoist leaders are, however, charging that Nepali Congress and CPN-UML are making false accusations against their cadres. How do you look at it?
Incidents speak for themselves. Maoists have physically attacked two of our candidates recently. There are widespread incidents of violence all over the country.
As you are contesting election from southern plain where regional parties have strong presence, do you feel any threat from them?
As a large party, Nepali Congress has representation from all groups and regions. During the tenure of the government of NC, we have fulfilled all the demands of Madhesi community. Since our party has shown complete commitment to settle the problems of Madhes, people will vote for me like in the past.
What differences do you see in contesting this election compared to the past elections?
Since this election is for constitution making, it is different. But, majority of people want peace, development and prosperity.
