Annapurna Post: Why should the UCPN(M)’s chairman lead a high level political committee?
Baburam Bhattarai: The peace process is still going on, so you need our participation in it because we are one of the main parties who signed the peace accord. Our Chairman Dahal is the one who signed the CPA, so it would be legitimate for him to head it. But this is not a ransom note.
How will this committee really help in constitution writing?
All the leaders will be in one place talking about the main issues.
But can’t those talks be held in the CA’s Political Dialogue and Consensus Committee that you are head of?
No. The PDCC is about constitution writing, not peace process completion. I chair that comittee, but none of the other leaders are directly involved.
Will there be positions for Madhesi parties in the new HLPC?
We shouldn’t forget that we’re still guided by the 12-point agreement of 2006. The interim constitution formed on the basis of this agreement says there shall be consensus on all decisions. Until another constitution is written through a consensus, the CPA will still prevail. That is why we need to include everyone who took part in the peace accord.
So, when will the first draft of the constitution be ready?
Our goal is mid-October.
Are you on track?
As of right now, there are some issues that need resolution. My committee has to finish its work before the second week of September. There are some contentious issues like state restructuring and form of governance, which we hope to finish in a few days.
Is there still a mood for a consensus among parties?
The parties in government don’t seem to be interested.
Are you seeking revenge against the NC and UML for what they did to you when you were in power?
Not true. I don’t know why everything in Nepal is interpreted through conspiracy theories. No one is blameless right now. The country needs everyone to respect the 2006 accord.