National 7 (Spotlight Weekly)

‘Reinstatement Of The House Is The Best Way To End The Deadlock’

— RABINDRA NATH SHARMA

Senior Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) leader RABINDRA NATH SHARMA is known as a shrewd politician. Considered a close political colleague of Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa, Sharma, who has an important role to play in policy formation, spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on various issues. Excerpts:

How do you see the present political situation?

The situation is very fluid and we cannot allow it to continue for a long time. If it does, it will affect national unity, sovereignty and democracy. Since political uncertainty has already created many troubles, the country cannot sustain it any longer. In this sense, the country needs a major decision. That should be a political decision. Unless political disputes are settled, it would be impossible to bring changes in other sectors. We must realize that only a political decision can push the country in the right direction.

What is the difference between the present government and the last one led by your leader Lokendra Bahadur Chand?

The last government was one based on individuals. It was not a party government. There was no coordination among the ministers and prime minister. They did not have a concept of collective decisions. There was competition among the ministers to take the credit for the Maoist-government negotiations. The government did not have a clear vision. The Maoists were playing a game to create rifts between the King and political parties. Under the previous government, the Maoists achieved on the table what they had not achieved in the last seven years of insurgency.

Since the political parties are demanding the reinstatement of the House of Representatives, what would be the meeting point?

Every political party has its own agenda. The major political parties want to preserve the achievements of the People's Movement of 1990 through the reinstatement of the House of Representatives. They want to see the continuity of the constitution of Kingdom of Nepal 1990. The Maoists do not accept that argument and want a new constitution. The King's agenda is to popularize the institution of monarchy and retain its sphere of influence. Despite the differences, the Constitution of Kingdom of Nepal 1990 should be the meeting point.

Will all parties agree on that?

If we don't continue to follow the Constitution of Kingdom of Nepal 1990 - a document written under the mandate of the People's Movement - and try to find a new solution, it will be a disaster. We must find a solution taking the present constitution as the basis. We must see the letter and spirit of the constitution. There are two ways of bringing the constitution back on track. The reinstatement of the House of Representatives or fresh elections. The reinstatement of the house is the best way.

Is it possible to reinstate the House of Representatives?

It is constitutionally and politically possible. The prime minister's right to dissolve the House of Representatives is conditional upon elections being held within six months. The Supreme Court in its decision endorsed the dissolution on the ground that the prime minister would hold the elections in six months. When elections cannot be held in the stipulated period, the only option is to revive the house. The Supreme Court has not given any judgment saying the country can be run without an elected body in case of suspension of elections. The main question is elections right now. If there is any problems on constitutional matters, the King can seek the opinion of the Supreme Court at the recommendation of the prime minister on the revival of the house. There is no hindrance in the constitution to revive the dissolved House of Representatives on the recommendation of prime minister. If the house is revived, the constitution will come on right track.

Do you see the Maoists, who are demanding a new constitution, agreeing to that?

If we call an all-party meeting, including the Maoists, and discuss the agenda keeping their demand in view, I can see the possibility. As the prime minister said, the elections of House of Representatives can be turned into a Constituent Assembly to amend or rewrite the present constitution. If we convince the Maoists that we will address their agenda after the elections of the House of Representatives, then the elections can be held. But before the announcement of the elections, the Maoists must create a conducive atmosphere by laying down their arms. Now the authority lies with the King. Whatever we say about our prime minister, he is appointed by the King. If political forces involved in the negotiations satisfy the Maoists in amending constitution, it will be a best step. If Maoists want a new constitution, the elected parliament can write another one. The people will not accept a new constitution made by certain people or their nominees. You cannot make a constitution by choosing the representatives of 40 or 50 smaller parties. The other solution, of course, is to hold the elections taking the Maoist in confidence.

Do you believe Prime Minister Thapa would agree to consider all options?

As Prime Minister Thapa has clearly said, he is ready to discuss every political issue, including the revival of the House of Representatives. The prime minister also expressed the possibility of turning parliament into constitutional assembly. But the political parties must come forward, as the prime minister has already expressed his willingness to sit together to sort out the problems. It is unfortunate that political parties are not
responding properly to the Prime Minister Thapa's overtures.

Do you see any changes following the appointment of the new prime minister?

You can see many changes. Political parties, for instance, have toned down their criticism of the King. If we revive the House of Representatives, the King's trouble will also end. It will also settle the major political problems. We are also ready to revive the House of Representatives to give the legislators the right to choose the prime minister. If all political parties see Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa, who has already expressed his unwillingness to contest the elections, as trustworthy to hold the free, fair and impartial elections, he may continue to be the prime minister of neutral government. We are ready to take any responsibilities we agree to among ourselves.

How do you see the response of other political parties?

All of their demands are fulfilled. So, they are just taking issue on the ground of prestige. Had one of their leaders taken oath as prime minister under Article 127, would they have called it unconstitutional? In accordance with their demand, the King has already handed over executive authority to the prime minister. All the ministers were appointed under the recommendation of Prime Minister Thapa. This shows how effectively Thapa exercised his executive power. There is no nominee of the King. When we are inviting political parties to form either all-party powerful government or revival of the dissolved house, there is no question for complaints.

Then, why are political parties continuing with their agitation?

In politics when political parties have gone in such an extreme end, it will take time for them to reverse course. They will come to terms within a few days. The prime minister is busy in informal negotiations, and he will find out a way out soon.