Himal: Aren't we getting late to write the constitution? 
Shardar: We have promised people a new Nepal through writing a new constitution. Six months have already passed but the process of writing the constitution has not even started. It's a shame. We can not show our face to them.
What is delaying the process?
Political parties, be it coalition partners-including mine-or opposition, are not at all serious about writing the new constitution. People elected them to write a new constitution but they are engaged in a power play.
The process of writing the CA rules of procedure is said to be delayed by small parties raising the issue of the whip system?
It's true that the process of writing the constitution was delayed by the absence of CA regulations. At the same time, it is the responsibility of the CA to decide on the state structure. Therefore, parties should not guide the members but instead allow them the vote using their conscience. Take as an example: if the draft constitution overlooks women's rights, we would never obey the party whip.
Do you believe the constitution will be written within the stipulated time?
It is not possible at this pace. There is a possibility that the new constitution would never be written in this way. Everyone wants power, not a new constitution.
What in your view should be the priorities of the new constitution?
Women account for 51 per cent of the total population but they are given only 33 per cent of the seats in the CA. The state should ensure 51 per cent participation in all levels of the state and half of this should be allocated for Madhesi women. Then, within the women there are elite women, Madhesi women, Janajati women and Dalit women. The state should identify their different problems. Like Pahadi women get leave on Tij, Madhesi women should get leave on Jitiya.
