Prachanda's warning: street protests inevitable if rights are curtailed

Kathmandu: Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Chairman of CPN Maoist Center and former Prime Minister, has alleged that the amendment of the constitution is leading to a reduction in people's rights. Speaking to journalists in Biratnagar on Monday, he expressed his objections to the constitutional amendment, claiming it curtails people's rights.

Chairman Prachanda stated that although he supports constitutional amendments, he opposes and criticizes the current move by the ruling parties because it aims to limit people's rights. He clarified, "We are not against the amendment of the constitution. Based on the achievements so far, we are in favor of amending the constitution to grant more rights to the people, particularly to all the oppressed castes and communities in the country. However, considering the nature of the current government, its past history, and its background, this change is not what is needed. It does not enrich the people. We have refuted and criticized it because it is intended to curtail people's rights."

Chairman Prachanda also noted that two parties alone cannot amend the constitution. He explained that, given the composition of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly, Congress and UML do not have sufficient numbers to amend the constitution. He warned that if there is an attempt to undermine the rights of inclusion and equality that people have gained, the Maoists may resort to street protests as they did in the past.

Additionally, Supremo Prachanda emphasized the need to improve the election system. He said, "However, their approach to amending the electoral system differs from our perspective. We advocate for a more inclusive and proportional system, while they are attempting to amend it in a way that reduces its inclusivity."

Prachanda also expressed opposition to the creation of a two-party system, arguing that such a system, mimicking the West, would not be beneficial for Nepal. He called for a proportional election system and a directly elected executive head. Furthermore, he asserted that the Maoists should secure the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee in the House of Representatives.