Nepal cannot be pushed to disintegration in the name of Federalism

You and Your party reject Federalism whereas the country is all set to adopt Federalism. What say you?

K.C.: It is all together a different matter that the country is certain to adopt federalism. However, we need to understand that Federalism is no solution to our ailments. The most important issue is that our county is facing threats to our Nationalism, Sovereignty and Territorial integrity, which is more important. This is because why we have been saying that federalism is not important for Nepal. What we need is decentralization. We need end to the Feudal and centralized system.

What will happen if Nepal adopts Federal order?

K.C.: The County will surely head to disintegration.

There will be nonstop clash between various castes and ethnic groups. In this context, Federalism is inappropriate for Nepal. Federalism must be made null and void. Creating Federal units on the basis of caste and ethnicity will not unite the country.

But there are examples world over where Federalism has succeeded?

K.C.: We have no prejudice over the system as such. Let us not forget that Federalism succeeds only there where it is needed most. Take for example, US, Germany, Australia and the others where Federalism has been a success. They have been successful mainly because of their Geography, Social Order and Economic situation. Our economic condition, geographical situation and mindset of various castes and ethnic groups pose serious threat to Federal order.

It is clearly outlined in the Interim Constitution that Nepal is a Federal Democratic Republic. Are your demands not unconstitutional?

K.C.: No not at all. It is the prerogative of the Constituent Assembly to decide whether the country should go to a Federal system or reject it. How can some parties or a handful of members dictate their terms to the Constituent Assembly? Do you remember if the Nepali population in the history has ever demanded federalism? Even the Madhesi Uprising did not demand federalism. It was rather against the rampant discrimination.  For your information, I would like to tell you that since Federalism was mentioned in the interim constitution we have been objecting to this decision. We have been saying that the country cannot be pushed to disintegration in the name of Federalism.

Some pro-Madhesi parties have been saying that there lay no significance of the Constituent Assembly. They are favoring another round of stir. What is your opinion?

K.C.: The President represents Madhesi community. So does the vice president. Fifty percent of the cabinet members represent Madhesh. They also represent various organizations. But they are still not satisfied. They have got to what they deserved but they cannot digest with what they have in their possession. Such activities will certainly impede the peace process and delay the constitution drafting.

What say you of the demand for One Madhesh?

K.C.: The demand for One Madhesh-One Province raised by the Madhesi parties will ultimately boomerang on their own.  They have failed to understand that they can institutionalize their gains through timely drafting of the new constitution.

You are taken as a straight forward and nationalist leader. Do you possess any formula to end problems confronting the nation?

K.C.: Nepal’s political leaders should rise above their petty personal and political benefits. They should rather focus on solving problems of the people. This is the appropriate time that they can and should make sacrifices for the cause of the nation. There is no alternative. Look we cannot change our leaders.  Our leaders must change their attitude. I think this way we can solve our problems.

What say you of Girija Prasad Koirala whose role was significant in the entire peace process?

K.C.: If Girija Prasad Koirala had not remained determined, the dead parliament would not have been revived. If the parliament was not resurrected the country would not have become a republic. Several weaknesses apart, he played significant role in institutionalizing democratic order in the country. I do not believe that he has no role to play further. Still he has been coordinating with other parties and some way or the other playing important role in institutionalizing peace and draft timely constitution. He should continue to play his role.

Posted on : 2010-01-06 08:11:22

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