Kathmandu: Nepal's former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala today accused the Maoist-led government of deliberately delaying the task of drafting the new Constitution by "inventing excuses".

"The government is deliberately avoiding the drafting of new constitution within the stipulated time frame by inventing excuses," Koirala told a gathering at Ratnapark here.

The function was organised to honour photo journalist Deependra Bajracharhya for his excellent contributions through camera during the People's Movement of 2006.

Dipendra Bajracharya, judged as the best photographer of the People's Movement II, was felicitated by the Nepali Congress President with Phtoto Journalism 2008 Award installed by Ganesh Man Singh Batika (GMS Peace Garden) Committee that includes a Gold Medal and a letter of felicitation.

Koirala said that the government was trying to divert the people s attention towards insignificant issues with a view to avoiding drafting of the constitution, which, according to him was, the main task entrusted upon it by the people.

Koirala cautioned people that the sacrifices made by martyrs in establishing a Democratic republic will go waste and the country would plunge into another catastrophe if the constitution is not drafted in time.

"The government has been mandated by the people to write the new constitution within two years period," he said adding that six months had already passed since the results of the CA elections were announced.
Source : PTI