Kathmandu, July 3

Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai held consultations with the leaders of janajati and indigenous nationalities on Tuesday where a proposal of forming an alliance of pro-federalism forces was floated.

The meeting took place at a time when voices are rising in some political circle that identity based federalism is not feasible.

Those holding discussions with Prime Minister Dr Bhattarai at his official residence, Baluwatar, included leaders and intellectuals advocating in support of federalism based on identity.

Leaders participating in the discussion praised the initiative taken by the Prime Minister and emphasized that reinstatement of the defunct Constituent Assembly will be able to solve the problem.

During the meeting, Dr Bhattarai proposed the creation of a common front of those fighting for identity based federalism no matter what political background they came from.

We took the proposal floated by the Prime Minister positively. A front of indigenous nationalities, dalits, janajatis, Madhesis and women is necessary to fight against anti-federal forces, said Dr Om Gurung, an indigenous nationality leader after the meeting.

"Revival of the CA is the best possible option for now because it is economical and practical," Dr Gurung said. He ruled out the possibility of constitution drafting through a commission dismissing it as a regressive approach.

The CA was dissolved as there was no agreement on the issue of federalism.

It is this point where the new debate should restart, Dr Gurung said.

CPN-UML politburo member Prithvi Subba Gurung said at the meeting that reinstatement of the CA can give the best outlet from the current state of constitutional crisis.

If the CA cannot be revived, the government should create a consensual environment for the fresh election of the assembly, Gurung told the Prime Minister during the meeting.

According to Dr Gurung, the Prime Minister said at the meeting that the government and the UCPN-Maoist is positive about the demands of the indigenous nationalities. "CA’s revival is an issue that may be reconsidered. The government is flexible regarding this," the Prime Minister said.

Maoist standing committee member Amik Serchan and CPN-UML leader Ashok Rai have been given responsibility to take initiative to form a joint front for the cause of identity based federalism.

However, Serchan said that no concrete plan has taken shape yet about the creation of the front.

Janajati and Indigenous nationalities leaders Dr Krishna Bhattachan, Malla K. Sundar, Bijaya Subba, Ashok Rai, Prithibi Subba Gurung, NC leader Indra Bahadur Gurung and Jip Chhiring Lama had participated in the meeting.