Kathmandu, May 24
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s invitation for all-party talks has not resonated well with the United Democratic Madheshi Front.
First, the front demanded that the Oli government invite Federal Alliance, the combo of the front and Janajati parties, which has been organising a movement seeking the fulfillment of its demands. Now, the UDMF is saying that PM Oli or CPN-Maoist Centre President Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ should lead the talks instead of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kamal Thapa, as he is against federalism.
Earlier, the government constituted a one-member political committee under Thapa to resolve political disputes. UDMF leaders have been refusing to hold talks with the committee, describing Thapa as someone, who has stood against federalism and against political changes. Because of this, no formal talk has taken place between the government and the UDMF for three months.
Meanwhile, in a letter forwarded on Monday, Prime Minister Oli has asked UDMF not to suspect Thapa’s commitment to republicanism and political changes that have taken place.
Talking to Onlinekhabar, Jitendra Sonal, general secretary of Tarai-Madhesh Democratic Party, said they will not sit for talks with Thapa. He said PM Oli or Prachanda should head the government talks team.
“What solution can a person opposed to federalism can offer? We are ready for talks with a high-level talks team. There’s a need to constitute such a team,” Sonal said. “Around 32-33 rounds of talks have already taken place. During such talks, the one leading the exercise pledges to call back after consulting higher-ups. Now, the real decision-makers should sit for talks.”
Sonal stressed the need to hold decisive and fruitful talks, suggesting PM Oli himself to take the initiative for the same.
