Koirala likens federalism to walking on sword’s edge
Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala on Wednesday cautioned against adopting federalism without first giving serious thought to its pros and cons, and said that it is dangerous as “treading on a sword’s edge”.
“There is a danger that the country may face disintegration if decisions on the issue of federalism are taken on whims. It is like treading on a sword’s edge. So we have to take our decisions very carefully,” Koirala said speaking at a programme organized by NC State Restructuring Advisory Committee in the capital city.
He, however, said that federalism, if implemented correctly, will unite the country than divide it.
The former prime minister further said that economic viability needs to be taken into consideration before going into federalism.
Koirala also claimed that “history has entrusted the responsibility to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous Nepal to NC” and that the party will build an inclusive state by ending despotism.
Accusing Prime Minister and Unified CPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal of clearly disregarding politics of consensus, cooperation and unity, he opposed the Maoist proposition of giving president the executive power.
“It will only invite totalitarianism,” the octogenarian leader retorted.
Speaking in his hometown Biratnagar yesterday, Koirala had said his party supports federalism based on economic viability and geographical locations, but not based on ethnicity. He also said federalism based on ethnicity will disintegrate the nation. nepalnews.com ag Feb 25 09
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