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VOL. 28, NO. 21, Feb 05, 2009 (Magh 23 2065 B.S.) |
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"We Are Bringing The Govt To Right Track" - Bhim Rawal
At a time when the country is heading to formulate the new constitution, the CPN-UML is organizing its general convention next week in Butwal, 500 kilometres west of capital. CPN-UML leader BHIM RAWAL spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on various issues regarding the general convention and current politics. Excerpts:
As your party is organizing the sixth general convention next week, what are the major agenda?
The major agenda of our convention is making new constitution and the issues of state restructuring. The convention will also discuss the organizational role and structure of the party in the changing context. We will also formulate the strategy to transform our organizations to support the peace process.
Won't you review your party's role in the coalition government?
We will also discuss the performance of our party in the coalition government. Our aim will be to support the coalition government so that the new constitution can be promulgated on schedule. We will also discuss the minimum program and hurdles and challenges before the coalition government.
What is the stage of preparation?
Our thirteen different committees are active in preparing the general convention. The preparation is in the final stage. As all you know the report of general secretary and proposal for the amendment of party's constitution has already been made public. The process of selection of delegates has already completed. Around 1500 delegates will take part in the convention.
Do you see any possibility of elections for various posts?
So far as the political and ideological issues are concerned, there are no major differences among the leaders at the central committee level. Unlike in the past when party leaders challenged the leadership on the basis of their own paper, we have not seen such situation this time.
Do you mean all the central committee members agree on one agenda?
This is what one could see in the process of presenting the resolution.
If there will be no election, it means there will be consensus candidates for various positions?
It will only be known when we will go for the general convention. Some may contest the elections. As general convention is the apex body to elect the central committee members, various persons may compete the election for central committee members.
What will the new structure of your party organization be like?
Our party has already decided to restructure the organization and it will be based on multiple positions like president, vice president, general secretary and secretary. There will be elections among various candidates.
Who will contest against whom?
Nobody has spoken about it. It will be public only in the convention.
How do you see the performance of the government?
We are not satisfied with the performance of the government. Our party leadership has conveyed this to the prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Maoist colleagues. We held several round of meetings with prime minister and Maoist leadership.
Whatever you say, prime minister continues to ignore your suggestions. Doesn't your party feel humiliated?
It is true that the government has not been functioning in accordance with the coalition culture, common minimum program and agreements among us. Our party leadership expressed their anger strongly to Maoist leadership. Even today (February 2) our general secretary and top leaders met with prime minister and conveyed their message.
The government announced three more ordinances. How do you look at it?
Of course, we know the government has constitutional right to promulgate the ordinance but it cannot bring the ordinance undermining the elected legislature. We have already opposed it and prime minister realised his mistakes.
Every time prime minister realises mistakes but then repeatedly makes such mistakes. How do you look at it?
This has been happening again and again. But, we have very little options.
Does that indicate your party's lust for power?
We are in the government to make the situation conducive to draft the constitution on time. We are sacrificing everything for the broader interest of the country.
Maoist leaders are blaming that CPN-UML is creating all the troubles acting as an opposition party. How do you look at it?
As a coalition partner, it is our duty to point out weakness of the government. We cannot support all acts of the government.
If the Maoist leaders continue to discard your suggestions, what will be your party's next step?
If the government cannot abide by the coalition culture, we will have to consider whether to continue being a coalition partner.
Why don't you say that your party will pull out from the government?
If necessary, we won't hesitate to do it. Our efforts will be to pursue the Maoist government and bring them into the right track. This is what we have been doing.
How do you see the war of words between Maoists and your leaders?
Maoists have been provoking us. Leaders of both the party have agreed to end such war of words.
