The CPI(M) has hailed the adoption of a constitution in neighbouring Nepal as a historic step.

Party mouthpiece People’s Democracy said in an editorial that it was the struggle of the Nepalese people against feudal authoritarianism that culminated in the establishment of a federal, democratic and secular State.

“We congratulate the people of Nepal, the three major political parties — the Nepali Congress, the CPN(UML) and the UCPN(M) — and all democratic forces for this significant achievement,” the editorial said.

The CPI(M) criticised the Narendra Modi government for taking a “negative attitude” towards the development.

“India should have been the first to welcome the adoption of the Constitution. Instead, the Modi government has adopted a negative attitude and an unwarranted interventionist stance,” the editorial added.

It further criticised the Centre’s decision to send Foreign Secretary Jaishankar to Kathmandu to meet the President and the Prime Minister and leaders of major political parties in of the country.

The visit is an attempt “to stall the formal proclamation of the constitution which took place on September 20”, it added.

Big brother attitude The CPI(M) said there has often been a big brother attitude to Nepal on the part of the Indian ruling establishment.

“This has, however, been taken to new heights now with the callous disregard shown to Nepal’s sovereign right to formulate the country’s constitution as per their own democratic process,” the editorial said.

It added that the Nepal constitution’s fundamental rights of citizens are more wide-ranging than those provided in the Indian Constitution.

“Quotas are provided for women, Dalits, Madeshis and Janjatis in various constitutional bodies. There are seven provinces and three levels of government — the federal, provincial and local.

“There are many features of the constitution which represent an advance over existing democratic Constitutions in South Asia, though there may be some shortcomings too,” it noted.

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