Constitution making in Nepal continues to limp. The Constituent Assembly is putting the draft Constitition to the vote on Sep 20. But the country has been in turmoil. The devisive issues are federalism and religious identity.When monarchy was abolished 7 years ago, it was agreed that Nepal will stop having Hinduism as an official religion. But there has been recently a demand for a return to Nepal’s Hindu status. The amendement for revival in the Assembly was rejected on Monday. The victory of secularism however led to angry protests from some people. To this was added an agitation for secularism. The Assembly had rejected the demand to divide Nepal into 14 provinces, some on an ethnic basis. This decided to have 7 provinces only. Violent clashes killed several police personnel and civilians.The Madhesis are boycotting the vote. These elements have become assertive because of the persistent clashes between the democratic parties, the Communist party of Nepal and the Maoists. Lack of governance rocked Nepal during the earthquake.
The ruling coalition can garner enough votes to adopt the Constitution by Sep 20. But the adoption of the Constitution has missed deadlines several times and many Prime Ministers have come and gone. There is need for a broad consensus. Delhi has been advising Kathmandu to exercise caution and restraint. But the Indian government should not try to play big brother especially because of the RSS nexus with the Hindu revivalists in Nepal.
