CPN-UML senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal has remarked that Indian President Pranab Mukherjee spoke beyond his jurisdiction by advising the Nepali leaders to amend Nepal's constitution. Leader Khanal was referring to comments made by Indian president during his recent three-day state visit to Nepal.

Leader Khanal, also a former prime minister, said that it is the internal matter of Nepali people to decide what kind of constitution Nepal needs and where it needs amendment and Mukherjee should not intervene in these issues.

Speaking in a press interaction programme organised by Press Chautari-Rupandehi chapter here on Monday, leader Khanal accused leaders affiliated to agitating Madhesi Morcha of seeking constitutional positions to naturalised citizenship holders and different states separating Hill and Tarai. He further said that such demands have been raised without comprehending the ground realities and necessity of our country.

He went on to say that his party, UML will not agree to any provisions that compromise the nationality in the name of constitution amendment. He clearly refused giving constitutional positions, among other constitutional posts like president, vice president, prime ministers, chief ministers to holders of naturalised citizenship and declared that UML was against creating states separating Madhes and Hill.

 "UML is ready to co-partner with any party for the protection of socialism, establishment of democracy, nationality and integrity of the country," said Khanal.