NC-UML alliance formed to eliminate inclusivity: Dahal

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged all parties to refrain from playing with sensitive issues like constitutional amendments.

Speaking in the House of Representatives after tabling his motion of a vote of confidence on Friday, Dahal said the new alliance coalition was formed with the intention of eliminating inclusivity and called for respect towards women, Dalits, indigenous people, Madhesis, and minorities.

“I humbly ask my friends here, is this how we discuss complex and sensitive issues like constitutional amendments? Will the public accept this approach? Is it possible to amend the constitution by sidelining the Maoist Center, the largest party in the National Assembly?” Dahal said.

He also accused the Nepali Congress and UML of trying to end inclusive representation in the name of stability. “If we are to amend the constitution, let’s have open discussions. Let’s move towards a directly elected executive. Let’s increase the representation of Dalits and women. Let’s secure the rights of oppressed castes, classes, and communities,” Dahal said.

Dahal’s government fell into the minority after his coalition partner CPN-UML announced a new alliance with Nepali Congress (NC) last week. The House of Representatives will hold a vote on his motion of a vote of confidence later on Friday.

“The dignified representation of women, oppressed classes, castes, and regions is the soul of this constitution. Any conspiracy to deprive women, Dalits, indigenous people, Madhesis, Tharus, Muslims, and other religious minorities of representation in state bodies, as was the case in the past, will never succeed,” he said. “Yesterday, their representation was merely symbolic and dependent on the mercy of autocratic rulers. Today, it is guaranteed and empowered,” he said.

Dahal also said he has initiated resistance against regression using his right to seek a vote of confidence. “This is not about numbers, but an initiative of protest and resistance. Whether you support it or not is up to your discretion, but I have faith in the people, and I will receive their support,” he added.