KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has emphasized the need for constitutional amendments to achieve comprehensive governance reforms.

Currently the Chairperson of the Nepal Samajwadi Party, Bhattarai advocates for new political leadership and ideas to drive the country toward development and prosperity.

In an interview with Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Bhattarai highlighted the necessity of collaborating with traditional political forces to address key issues, including concluding the peace process.

He reiterated his party’s commitment to promoting the idea of a directly elected executive head, a stance his party has held since the Constituent Assembly discussions.

Bhattarai criticized the current political system for its inability to produce a two-thirds majority, arguing that a directly elected executive head under a fully proportional representation system is essential for stability and progress.

He also called for the establishment of a Janalokpal to combat corruption and proposed that the constitution be revised to complete the current model of federalism.

Addressing a separate issue, Bhattarai urged the judiciary to resolve the case of Gandaki Province Assembly Member Phadindra Devkota.

Devkota, a member of Bhattarai’s party, faces scrutiny for voting against his former party, the CPN (Maoist Centre), during a confidence vote.

Discussing the ongoing parliamentary deliberations on the Rs 1.86 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2024/25, Bhattarai critiqued the traditional approach to budget presentation and debate.

He called for structural reforms and innovative measures, such as scientific land reform, to achieve meaningful economic growth and reduce dependence on imports.

Bhattarai also referenced the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) signed with India during his tenure, advocating for leveraging the economic growth of neighboring countries and adopting new technologies to attract large industries.

RSS