Khanal links ministerial hierarchy to UML’s dignity
THT Online
This is an issue of prestige and respect. This is an issue of democratic culture and consensus. The Maoists' stance of not according second rank to home minister nominee Bam Dev Gautam is against democratic norms.
Will the UML really not join the government if the Maoists did not budge on their stance?
If the Maoists do not agree to accord Bam Dev Gautam second rank in the ministerial hierarchy, it would certainly prevent us from joining the government. Though this is not a matter of policy or theory, it is important for us, as it is attached to our dignity. We cannot kneel down to the Maoists.
Both the Maoists and the UML are communist parties. But both of you are deeply divided.Why?
I hope the issue of ministerial hierarchy will resolve soon. If the Maoists want to move ahead by maintaining a leftist unity, then they should correct their behaviour, including stance on ministerial hierarchy. To me, there still is a need of unity between the leftist and democratic forces. We wanted to include the NC in the current alliance but it opted out.
This alliance will promote the forward-looking agendas of the nation, though.
Is there any possibility of unification of the Maoists and the UML?
There are serious policy differences between the two parties. There are a number of theoretical differences as well. Despite this, there are prospects of collaboration between the Maoists and the UML. It was because of our unity that we successfully conducted the Constituent Assembly polls.
Now the challenge is to write a new constitution and run a coalition government.
We are moving ahead to accomplish our goals. Differences on policy cannot
prevent us from achieving common goals.
Read More: http://epaper.thehimalayantimes.com/Articletext.aspx?article=26_08_2008_008_001&mode=1