MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA |
Jhala Nath Khanal: We have become prime ministers in different contexts. When Madhav Kumar Nepal was the prime minster, the Maoists were not in government. Now they are joining us. The involvement of the Maoists in this government means that the peace and constitution-writing process will now speed up.
The Maoists didn't join government earlier, and now NC is staying in opposition. How do you plan to move ahead without a consensus?
National consensus is obligatory. Either they choose to support us by joining the government or by staying in the opposition, it is their decision.
The seven-point agreement between you and Pushpa Kamal Dahal says that you plan on sharing the PM post on rotational basis. How can we believe you plan to include everyone?
This agreement is not directed against other political parties. By rotational we do not mean between two parties only. If another party is interested to join us, they can come too.
You made an agreement with Dahal to set up a separate force either composed of Maoist combatants or combined with other security forces. Is this UML policy?
It is a proposal. There are other alternatives.
How can it be a proposal when the two of you have signed it?
It can't be the last word just because two parties have agreed. Without the permission of the Special Committee, we can't do anything. That is why for now it is only a proposal.
The Maoists used to accuse Madhav Nepal's government of being India's puppet. Now people are saying your government will be a puppet of the Maoists.
UML is a party with its own ideology and identity. So there is no need for us to follow anyone. But yes, we did feel the need to unite to lead the country to a better future.
The coalition between the Maoists and UML has been termed anti-Indian. Some say without India's support, the government will not last.
The first call I received after being elected was from the Indian prime minister. He congratulated me and promised to support the government under my leadership.
If the constitution is not written by 28 May, is there an agreement between you and Dahal to extend the CA's term?
We haven't discussed this.
What are the three main priorities of your government?
First priority is to take the peace process forward, the second is constitution writing, and the third is to strengthen the governance system. Another priority is economic revolution.