 |
| |
VOL. 27, NO. 45, July25 , 2008 (Shrawan 10 2065 B.S.) |
|
"We Have Lost A Moral Ground To Stake A Claim To Form The New Government"
Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'
After his party's candidate was defeated in the presidential election, CPN-Maoist leader PUSHPA KAMAL DAHAL 'PRACHANDA' addressed a press conference at his party parliamentary office in Singhadurbar on Tuesday (July 22). Dahal spoke to KESHAB POUDEL while he was returning to his office room. Excerpts:
As you said, Maoists have lost a moral ground to form the government. Do you mean your party will not stake a claim to form the next government?
Of course, the defeat of our candidate for the president and vice president elections revealed that we don't have majority in the parliament. Thus, we have lost a moral ground to stake a claim to form the new government. However, it does not mean that we will not form the government in future when the situation favours us.
If the president invites you to form the government, what will you do?
I have already told you that the new president has to invite the three party alliance leaders to form the new government as their joint candidate has won the election.
At a time when other party leaders have been stressing the need to form national government under the Maoist leadership, why has your party decided to stay out of power politics now?
Since the three party alliance, which we see as unholy, proved their majority in the Constituent Assembly, it will be immoral for us to stake claim.
Won't your decision hamper in formation of national government?
Our decision to sit in the opposition bench is neither to walk out from the government nor to create trouble in future. If the situation comes when Maoists alone will be given opportunity to form the government, our party will consider it.
Will you form the government in case the new alliance breaks?
We can stake claim to form the next government once this alliance breaks. We have not closed the door to form the government. We are open to form the government.
Is there any threat to peace process after your decision not to form the government?
We are committed to peace process. However, our people's army has not got salary for past three months and they are losing patience. Whatever the situation, we will abide by the peace process. There is no threat to peace process.
How about the process of constitution making?
Of course, the new political equation has created some uncertainty and trouble in constitution making process but CPN-Maoist will continue to play constructive role during the constitution making.
How did your alliance with CPN-UML broke at the last minute?
We have tried our best to forge leftist alliance. We discussed for several days to formulate the common program. But the deadlock came when CPN-UML leaders pushed the name of Madhav Nepal for president which our party completely rejected. We don't have any bad relations with Nepal. We were even considering supporting Nepal.
Then, what happened?
The CPN-UML demanded the Home ministry, Finance Ministry and Defence Ministry along with president. How can we accept such demands of power sharing? How could we agree on such unreasonable demand of CPN-UML?
As you said Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and Madheshi Janadhikar Forum alliance is unholy and unethical, how can you feel proud for the victory of a Madhesi candidate in the president who was backed by them? Is that not a contradictory stand?
It is not contradictory. CPN-Maoist is very proud to say that it is because of us that a Madhesi got elected for the president. Since our party has been pushing the agenda for inclusive and autonomy and self respect for Madhesis, it is a matter of pride to see a Madhesi leader as a president. So far as the alliance is concerned, it is unholy, unethical and foreign-backed alliance.
Who do you mean by saying they are foreign-backed?
Don't try to open my mouth. It is open secret for all of us which power is meddling in our internal politics. In the last few years, the external element has been actively playing role in our politics taking this or that side from time to time. I can say our nationality and sovereignty is under a great threat and all nationalist leaders need to unite together.
UML leaders have come out openly saying that your party broke the alliance at the last minute after meeting Indian ambassador and Indian officials at your residence. What do you say?
Of course, we discussed many issues with Indian ambassador and Indian officials whenever they visit me to pay a courtesy call. It is an open fact that all the political leaders meet with Indian diplomat and officials. So far as CPN-UML's accusation is concerned, it is baseless.
Have you felt any pressure from Indians to support particular candidate for president?
Some Indian officials indirectly hinted us to support Girija Prasad Koirala for the president but we rejected that idea. Ram Raja Prasad Singh was our own candidate.
How is your party's relation with India?
Our party's relations with India are very cordial like in the past.
Your statement is full of comments regarding foreign power's interference and intervention. Which country is your finger directed at?
Every one knows which country is meddling in Nepalese politics. It is an open secret.
You termed the alliance of NC, UML and MJF as unholy and unethical. What about your alliance with Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party, Nepal Sadbhavana Party and others?
We have not made any alliance with them like the three parties. These parties supported our candidate Ram Raja Prasad Singh on their own. Even RPP supported our vice presidential candidate.
MJF has already staked a claim for the prime minister in case your party gives up the claim. You may have another reason to rejoice. Because of your decision another Madhesi is going to lead the country. How do you look at it?
I have already given the reason behind our decision to remain in opposition. As three parties have already joined hands.
