UML Responds to Constitution Amendment Proposal: Chairman in Custody, Agenda Discussion not Possible

The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has stated that due to their chairman, KP Sharma Oli, being in police custody, discussions on the constitution amendment agenda could not proceed. At a meeting of the committee formed under the leadership of Asim Shah, Dr. Bhishma Adhikari, a UML central member, expressed that the agenda would only be prepared after the chairman’s release. Adhikari argued that the topic of constitutional amendment cannot be left open-ended; it requires thorough discussions and consensus among all parties. March 25, Kathmandu.

The UML clarified that as their party chairman KP Sharma Oli remains in police custody, discussions on the constitution amendment agenda have stalled. During the committee meeting chaired by Asim Shah—established to prepare proposals for debating constitutional amendments—the UML representative responded accordingly. “Our party chairman has been kept in police custody. As long as he remains detained, no discussions on constitutional amendments are taking place,” said central member Dr. Bhishma Adhikari at the meeting. “Once he is released, we will convene meetings and prepare the agenda; currently, we cannot comment further.”

While indicating that the party will make decisions regarding the concrete agenda for constitutional amendments, Adhikari clarified that they do not oppose the constitution. “The issue of constitution amendment cannot merely be kept open; it must involve discussions with all parties and obtaining consensus,” he stated. He emphasized that any constitutional amendment should proceed only after intensive consultations with provincial and local governments, experts, and stakeholders.