An Appraisal
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990
has spelt out in clear terms that democracy and Constitutional Monarchy are the very basis
of the existence of the country. There can never be any compromise of the preamble of the
Constitution. The Constitution that we have been following over the past eleven years has
not been framed overnight or on an ad hoc basis. Much energy, time, studies and
consultation have gone into its making. And in this sense, just because a few people want
something else does not mean that the whole Constitution has to be revised. But this is
what has been heard in recent times especially from the leadership of Nepal Communist
Party (Maoist). There can be no justification for such a demand as the Constitution has
fulfilled all the expectations of the people for over a decade since democracy was
reinstalled after a three-decade dark period. When the Constitution has vested sovereignty
on the people there is no reason why some elements are targetting it. It is not the
Constitution that is at fault but those who misinterpret it according to their vested
interests. There is greater need to adhere to the Constitution and act accordingly as
nation’s interest is well protected by it.
It was in the same vein that former Prime
Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has come out against the "politics of violence"
that has for the past few years disrupted the smooth sailing of the country, while
speaking the other day at a reception on the occasion of Bada Dashain for Nepalese and
foreign journalists. He was firmly for "reconciliation and national unity to stop
unscrupulous activities of unwanted elements in the country". In fact, he was hitting
out at the Maoists who were trying to destroy the social structure by creating division
among the races, castes, religion, culture and languages. This was a right appraisal of
what has been going in the country for the past six years. Violence as such does not offer
any solution. All problems and their solutions must be sought within the framework of the
Constitution. As for the republic’s demand by the Maoists, Koirala was frank in
stating that any strike against the constitution was an attack on people’s freedom
and democracy. This was a right observation in that it is the Constitution that guarantees
freedom and rights to all its people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, language or
gender. The equality that has been bestowed on the people must be respected by the Maoists
as well. Pitting one citizen against another cannot be praised in any term. It is a timely
message to the Maoists to eschew violence and join the mainstream of national politics
which will be in the interest of the country and the people themselves.
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