KATHMANDU, June 18: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that the process of verifying the Citizenship Bill is absurd.

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has mentioned that the bill, which had been rejected during the term of the erstwhile Parliament, will need to be reintroduced and passed by Parliament again before being presented for certification before the President. 

Former President Bhandari has pointed out that there were procedural errors during the certification process in the previous state, leading to the need for re-certification in its current state. “That bill was absurd, the verification process is also absurd. No one wants their country to be weak, but no one here cares if the country becomes weak. What kind of style is this to only praise others? Why should we do that? I would rather die, not betray the country. My conscience didn't allow me to engage in such activities," Bhandari said during a conversation with some journalists at her residence on Friday evening.

Bhandari claimed that the Citizenship Bill was not in line with the new constitution. It had to be brought according to the new constitution. The Citizenship Act has been brought by amending it according to the old constitution. "The new constitution was promulgated in the year 2072 BS, but how can we accept the Citizenship Bill that has been brought based on the amended Citizenship Act of the previous constitution?" she questioned. "It is an unacceptable action."

Former President Bhandari had shelved the Citizenship Amendment Bill without certifying it. The same bill is being criticized as a procedural error after the current President Ramchandra Paudel certified it based on the recommendation made by the government.

Former President Bhandari had withheld the certification of the Citizenship Amendment Bill. The current President, Ram Chandra Paudel, has certified the same bill based on a letter written by the government, citing procedural errors and sparking criticism.

This controversy has also reached the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has issued an interim order restraining the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Bill as a law.

Former President Bhandari said that she had faced a lot of criticism after stopping the Citizenship Bill, but she had no regrets after stopping the bill that was not in the interest of the country.

She said that since the issue of citizenship has been going on since 2009, there should be a national consensus on it."Issuing a citizenship bill in its current form is not appropriate," she said, adding that the head of the state should not certify bills based on the sentiments of the people. 

Bhanari’s four priorities

Former President Bhandari said that she will not remain inactive. She said that she is consulting experts on how to stop the outbound migration of youths, solve the unemployment problem, find solutions to the economic crisis and promote the country’s agricultural sector.

Not to return to politics

Former President Bhandari indicated that she will not return to politics. She mentioned that although she had voluntarily participated in politics, the circumstances have led her to this situation. 

Referring to the removal of the provision regarding the age limit of 70 years for executive positions by the CPN- UML, she stated that she does not have any aspirations to become the party chairperson.

"I have no ambition to be the chairperson, nor do I long for it. There is also the question of whether to just sit and watch still or not. The party also holds the belief regarding the issue of multi-party democracy, and this is something that should be pursued up to the grassroots level. "I am still closely observing," she said. 

Although it may seem natural for Bhandari to think that the party should do well, she hasn't given much thought to actively returning to politics. However, she mentioned that she will be closely observing politics.

"I know myself better than others. Those who know me closely may know me. I am a person who is a little afraid to be in leadership. But in some cases I have to fulfill certain responsibilities even if I do not want to."

When I was about to enter my home after the 9th convention of the party, one brother asked who will be the chairperson in the tenth convention? I said let’s not go into that matter, but he asked again and then I replied– “If I were to become Chairman of the CPN-UML, you would also call me the first female chairperson. There is also a legacy. But I had to take on the responsibility of the President. Now, I don't feel like competing within the CPN-UML party again," she said.  

 
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