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VOL. 27, NO. 35, May 16, 2008 (Jestha 01 2065 B.S.) |
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“We Want Abdication Of The King With Due Respect And Dignity”
Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda
CPN-Maoist chairman PUSHPA KAMAL DAHAL aka Prachanda has been proposed as a new prime minister by his party. As the constituent assembly meeting draws closer, he talks about various issues regarding his party's new role. Excerpts of his interview by RABINDRA MISHRA for BBC Nepali Service:
Are you sure that Nepal will turn into democratic republic now?
There is no doubt about it. This is the mandate of the people expressed through the election for Constituent Assembly. I don't have any doubt in my mind regarding this.
What about the possibility of forming new government on your own leadership?
Since Maoists have emerged as the single largest party, we have the mandate to do it. I don't have any doubt about forming the government under my leadership.
Other political parties are demanding the need to dismantle the Young Communist League and pointing out that you need to give up the position of the chief of rebel army and return properties seized by your party, what do you say?
There is no question of dismantling YCL. It is a purely non-political demand. Would other parties dismantle their sister organizations? So far as resigning from People's Army is concerned, I continue in the position as a part of comprehensive peace process.
Are you considering mobilizing YCL in development activities?
They can also be mobilized for that purposes as they are very dedicated and disciplined youths.
Will you pay them when you head the government?
We are also considering that.
What type of government will you lead?
It is still pre-mature. First of all there is a need for consensus among seven parties and then we need to discuss the matter with newly emerged parties. Then only we can say about the nature of government. After forging political consensus, we will form the government.
What would be the first proposal for coming CA?
The proposal would be to declare Nepal as a republic and remove the monarchy.
There is also a rumor that Nepali Congress is demanding that their leader Girija Prasad Koirala be made president. Is it acceptable to you?
We have already made it clear that creating two powerful positions of prime minister and president will create more trouble. Such system will create parallel form of power centers and divide the loyalty of state. If loyalty is divided, we will face problems even in writing of the constitution. And there is no such provision in the interim constitution as well. After declaration of republic, we can follow the similar pattern as now where a prime minister and head of the state will be the same person. We are discussing the issue among ourselves.
What is the level of your dialogue with palace now?
We want abdication of the King with due respect and dignity. This process is directly and indirectly going on. What I am saying is, if it is necessary, I am ready to meet the King before the first meeting of constituent assembly. The King has already indicated his understanding about the verdict of the people. There were such indications in his statement given after the election of CA. If we build consensus on the issue regarding abdication of King Gyanendra that will be good for all of us.
Have you received any message from palace in response to your statement that you are ready to meet with the King?
I have not received any formal response from the King. But, indications are that there is possibility for dialogue to find out solution through consensus. I have been receiving such kinds of indications from the King.
Persons close to palace have been saying that the King is completely relaxed and assured of his position and he is not going to give up his position so easily. Even some of them are saying that the King wants to settle the issue of monarchy through the referendum. What do you say?
Some people might have said so. The mandate expressed in the election and the current political situation, however, do not give space to that kind of logic. If the King declines to accept the mandate of the people and starts thinking something else, it is neither in his interest nor his family and the country. I don't think the King can take such foolish action.
What kind of alternative has the palace proposed to you?
The palace has not proposed any alternative and there is no alternative at all before the palace. There is no alternative before the King other than to give up.
You have publicly said these things many times but why has the King not left the Royal Palace?
This is still in the negotiation and discussion stage. This may be the reason why the King has not vacated the palace. I think insiders of palace may be monitoring all these new development and situation since the first meeting of Constituent Assembly will implement the decision to make Nepal a federal republic. Palace might have thought that they will find certain solution till the first day of CA. It is not necessary that the King should vacate the palace (right now). If the King announces voluntary retirement on the day of convening of the first meeting of constituent assembly, people will see the role of Gyanendra Shah in making of a new Nepal. That will be a good thing for Nepal.
Are you really interested to meet the King before the first meeting of CA?
If it is necessary, that is definitely true. One thing is that our dialogue is going on indirectly. If King Gyanendra thinks meeting directly with me can make things easier, I am interested to meet the King.
You used to be quite angry with the chief of Nepal Army. What is your relation now with Nepal Army?
We will strengthen the army as per the spirit of Comprehensive Peace Agreement and Interim Constitution. Since we all have agreed to change the army as per the Loktaantra, there is no difference at individual level.
Will you change the army chief if you lead the government?
The indication I have received from army and statements appearing publicly that army has no objection and difficulty to work under the legitimate government - these are very much welcoming statements and respect democratic spirit and culture. In that context, even if the government is formed under my leadership, we will not take any drastic step to change the structure of the army. Nepal will run under existing laws and regulations.
You have been raising the question of restructuring of army with integration of Maoist rebels into the army. Will you integrate Maoist rebels into Nepal Army or will they be included in forces like industrial security force?
When we have been talking about the integration of our army, it does not mean that all of our cadres need to be integrated into the army or that all of them need to be included in the industrial force. This issue needs discussion in broader terms. After discussions, we may find out how to integrate our army into the national security forces. Whether it is going to be the integration of individuals or units, we will discuss all these matters in detail. We have not decided this issue in concrete terms yet.
What will you do if you do not receive consensus to form the government on your leadership?
We don't have any alternative to consensus. If that happens, it will not bring a good result. Such moves will also not serve the interest of the country. This will not solve the problems of the country.
If Girija Prasad Koirala does not present the proposal for republic, there may also appear problems and you also need to manage two third majority in case you fail to develop consensus for your leadership?
I cannot even imagine that Nepali Congress and Girija Prasad Koirala will attempt to take such nasty decision. That means it will be against the democratic value, which we want to institutionalize through the CA.
