Will the constitution be written on time?
I'm in the committee on the distribution of natural resources, financial rights and public revenue. This committee is yet to write its draft paper. Because of Maoist protests, CA meetings have been suspended since September.
So will the constitution be written on time?
Only if the political parties reach a consensus. Otherwise, it will be difficult. But more than the question of whether or not the constitution will be written, we ought to worry about whether it will be inclusive, since we have little experience with federalism.
What are the main obstacles?
Negative thoughts and ignorance of national interests in favour of communal and party interests.
What do you think federalism should be based on?
Personally, I don't favor ethnicity based federalism. A lot of CA members don't either, but have been ignored since party leaderships overwhelmingly support federalism. Only regional federalism, with the Himalayas, mid-hills and the Tarai part of each region, will be successful.
Is there any chance the constitution won't be written?
When I first entered the CA, I was very enthusiastic. But that enthusiasm died the moment I discovered that the CA was more focused on communal and regional rather than national interests. The feeling of togetherness is lost.