Miscellaneous
Don’t invite conflict, UML warns govt
The main opposition CPN-UML has warned the government not to invite a political confrontation by pressing ahead with the “unconstitutional and anti-national” charter amendment bill.The main opposition CPN-UML has warned the government not to invite a political confrontation by pressing ahead with the “unconstitutional and anti-national” charter amendment bill.
Even after the Supreme Court refused to issue a stay order against the amendment proposal, the Standing Committee meeting of the party on Sunday reiterated its stand that the bill was unconstitutional and anti-national.
Despite the protest of nine opposition parties, the government tabled the amendment bill in the House on January 8. “It’s inappropriate to move forward the amendment proposal that was tabled flouting the parliamentary regulations and practices,” said UML Secretary Pradeep Gyawali.
The opposition parties have demanded that the government focus on the elections rather than the “useless” amendment proposal.
Criticising the government for not preparing for the polls, the second largest party demanded the election date. The meeting also decided to ask the government to present all election-related bills to Parliament, to work on endorsing those already tabled in the House, implement the report of the Local Level Restructuring Commission and form the Election Constituency Delimitation Commission.
The UML also objected to the government’s sacking of Sushil Gyewali as the chief executive officer of the National Reconstruction Authority. The meeting decided to hold the party’s politburo meeting on February 6 and 7 in Kathmandu.
Mechi-Mahakali campaign
In an attempt to improve the party’s image particularly in the Tarai and to “strengthen national unity”, the party has decided to launch a 15-day Mechi-Mahakali Rastriya Abhiyan on March 4.
The party claimed that the move was intended to create pressure on the government to implement the constitution besides strengthening social harmony.
The party’s Standing Committee decided to begin the campaign in Kakadvitta, taking it across major cities and towns in the plains.