Country can't afford more than six federal states: Mahat
REPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, Sept 10: Nepali Congress (NC) Central Working Committee member Ram Sharan Mahat argued on Monday that country cannot afford to have more than six federal states.
Addressing an interaction organized by Reporters´ Club Nepal in the capital, Mahat also argued if there were more than six federal states it would make the very concept of federalism a fiasco.
"In case there are more than 10 federal states, there will be only two or three federal states that would have economic surplus and enough recources while the remaining states would be in total deficit both in economic terms and in natural resources. Federalism cannot be sustainable in such a situation," he reasoned.
Mahat´s remarks comes at a time when top political leaders have publically said they were near agreement on 10-state federal model as suggested by State Restructuring Commission. "It is necessary to create a functioning federal state. Our country can´t just afford to have 10-14 federal states," he said.
Alleging that Maoist´s desire to stay put in powers had resulted in the dissolution of the CA, Mahat argued that President Ram Baran Yadav should immediately call political parties to come up with a consensus candidate for the new prime minister. "It will be so much better if the prime minister himself stepped down view of the three months he has remained in caretaker status," he said.
However, UCPN (Maoist) leader Lila Mani Pokharel argued that since president does not have any powers the only alternative to resolve the current political deadlock is either to settle all contentious issues of new statute and promulgate new constitution through the revived CA or go for election as announced by the government.
While urging NC and UML to reach agreement at the earliest, Pokharel also clarified that prime minister won´t tender resignation with political vacuum persisting.
RPP Chairman Pashupati SJB Rana argued that since CA revival won´t help resolve the problems facing the country the parties should agree on fresh elections. He also expressed worry over the country turning into a failed state due to prolonged delay by the three major parties to reach deal on resolving the deadlock.
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Country Can't Afford More Than Six Federal States: Mahat
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