 |
| |
VOL. 28, NO. 21, Feb 05, 2009 (Magh 23 2065 B.S.)
|
|
Prime Minister Prachanda makes an emotional appeal for nation-building, but draws flak from parties
By A CORRESPONDENT
Prime Minister and chairman of Unified CPN-Maoists, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' last week made an emotional appeal for nation-building in an 'unexpectedly' delivered message to the countrymen.
 |
PM Dahal: Hollow Remarks |
In his second message to the countrymen since he took over the office of prime minister five months ago, Prime Minister appealed to all the political parties for new comprehensive political understanding.
"The bitter experience of the last five months has shown that our national commitment cannot be fulfilled by working in traditional manner. So I appeal to all the political parties to reach political understanding like the 12-point pact of the past," he said.
Admitting that the government has not been able to work as per the expectations of the people, he blamed the limitations of coalition government, tradition working pattern, among others, for the situation. PM Dahal urged the youths to use their energy in constructive purposes instead of resorting to bandhs and chakkajam in every pretext. He particularly asked the youth wings of ruling parties to end their bitter relations.
He also made a number of pledges for socio-economic development. "This government declares that within a week, the practice of dowry will be banned. Both those who give dowry and those who receive dowry will be punished," he said. He said the law on equal property right between sons and daughters will be strongly enforced.
On the issue of energy crisis, he said that the load shedding will be ended or reduced to minimum limit within this fiscal year by mobilizing thermal, solar, biological and all kinds of alternative. "Those who have sought license to develop hydropower must start their process within six months or face revocation of their license," he said.
He said that since the global economic crisis were likely to affect Nepal's workers overseas, there was no alternative but to build domestic industries to check the unemployment situation. He promised a number of administrative, judicial and other reforms.
PM Dahal also appealed the media to disseminate optimistic and encouraging information to usher in the era of construction. He urged business bodies to engage in philanthropic works. He also had some advice for citizens whom he asked to focus on how they can help their country instead of engaging in useless criticisms.
PM Dahal also asked ministers and bureaucrats to work efficiently. In his half an hour long message, which he delivered from Singhdurbar, he listed the increase in internal revenue, village-oriented budget, start of talks with Madhesi outfits, formation of CA committees as some of the achievements of the government.
He said that the issue of integration of army and writing of new constitution as major pillars of peace process. He asked for support from all domestic and international community for help and support in this regard.
However, his address failed to impress not only the opposition parties but even the ruling coalition partners. UML Standing Committee member Ishwor Pokharel said, "The PM should have consulted with the parties in the coalition government." "I am confused if the address to the nation was made by a PM or the chairman of the Unified CPN-Maoist," he further added.
Likewise, main opposition party Nepali Congress Vice President Ram Chandra Poudel opined that the address made in the name of nation should not be like that of a speech made at a party convention. Chairman of Sadbhawana Party and the Supplies Minister Rajendra Mahato said many agenda were missed out in the address as the PM had not consulted with the ruling parties, while joint chairman of the Rastriya Janashakti Party Dr Prakash Lohani claimed that the address was 'unclear'.
"Since he did not consult with us, he missed out the issues concerning Madhes," said Mahato.
