Taking part in the deliberations on the preliminary draft of the Constitution of Nepal at the CA meeting on Monday, Nidhi, who is also the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, said that the differences over federalism should be resolved by forming a high-level federal commission based on a consensus among all the political parties.

Pointing out that the citizenship provisions in the preliminary draft were not scientific and relevant, he expressed concern over the provisions that say that only those who have acquired citizenship by descent are eligible to become the Head of State or Head of Government.

However, Prakash Sharan Mahat, also from the Nepali Congress said that the draft of the constitution was one that is acceptable to all. He also urged the Madhesh-centric parties to wait until the time for amendments.

Radheshyam Adhikari, also of the same party, emphasized on the need to address those boycotting the CA meeting politically, if they are raising political issues. The task of demarcation and naming should be taken ahead in a systematic manner.

NC’s Ramhari Khatiwada said a constitution that empowers every community and region is essential rather than one that promotes hatred among the people.

Likewise, Nabindra Raj Joshi also from the same party said there were many things to be improved in the draft constitution, with problems in the preamble itself. Every political ideology must be represented in it, he added.

UCPN (Maoist)’s Shakti Bahadur Basnet said the CA drafting committee has come up with a draft that is against the agreement and consensus reached among the major political parties in the past.

RPP Nepal’s Kanta Bhattarai said since Vedic Sanatan Dharma is the major thought of Nepal it should be given space in the new constitution.

Likewise, CA members Duman Singh Thapa Chettri, Harkabol Rai, Laxmi Rai, Paanchkarna Rai among others urged to make the constitution democratic and timely.