JSP sets two conditions to join govt

KATHMANDU: Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) has set two conditions for joining the government led by CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The party has said that it will join the coalition only if its main ideologies and objectives are reflected in the common minimum program of the government and if it is given a share of constitutional posts.

“We will join the coalition government only if we are satisfied with the sharing of state power among coalition partners,” said party spokesperson Manish Suman. “Otherwise, we are neither willing to join the government, nor do we feel it is necessary to join.”

Suman added that JSP has also claimed a share of important posts like other coalition partners. “Parties are sharing various positions starting from President to Deputy Speaker of provinces,” he said. “We should also get a respectable share.”

The party spokesperson emphasized that issues such as federalism, inclusiveness, interests of minority communities, long-term solutions to the citizenship problem, an amendment to the constitution, extensive changes in the electoral system, and forms of government are the “bottom line” of JSP and should therefore be included in the minimum common program.

“Looking at the equation of the current ruling coalition, we have doubts about the government’s views on the republican system, secularism and federalism,” Suman said. “But we won’t withdraw our support.”