CMP - opposition from Nepali Congress - criticism but support from UML

The common minimum programme (CMP) proposed by CPN (Maoist) has drawn cold response from the two other major parties - Nepali Congress and CPN (UML).

Although deliberations on the draft CMP, which was introduced by the Maoist leadership during yesterday's 25-party meeting, are yet to come to a conclusion, senior leaders of NC and UML have suggested "drastic amendment" in the CMP.

Speaking at a programme in the capital Sunday, NC general secretary Bimalendra Nidhi said the proposed CMP has failed to incorporate progressive agendas. Insisting that the CMP only seeks to maintain status quo, Nidhi said that the CMP should be prepared by a taskforce comprising representatives from all 25 parties in the Constituent Assembly.

In the CMP, the Maoist party has proposed restructuring of the state in the spirit of the federalism, drafting of new condition within two years, immediate relief package to conflict-affected and poor people, integration of Maoist combatants and management of arms within three months as per the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), restructuring of the bureaucracy to make it suitable for the federal system, special development programmes for Karnali region, employment to youths, price control, and normalisation of supply of fuel and other essentials - among others.

Meanwhile, UML general secretary Jhala Nath Khanal has said the proposed CMP is no different than the election manifesto of the Maoist party. He has also suggested the Maoists to come up with a revised draft of the CMP.

Speaking to reporters after a programme today, Khanal said the CMP should reflect the agendas of different parties that would be part of the next government.

He also reiterated that the UML was in favour of a unity government for which the CPN (Maoist), as the biggest party staking claim for government's leadership, should take initiatives