The Legislature-Parliament on Thursday started deliberations on the constitution amendment bill. The discussion follows a meeting of opposition alliance comprising nine political parties that decided to show some flexibility and not to obstruct the house proceedings.

During the House deliberations today, most lawmakers were of view that the amendment bill should be endorsed. However, opposition parties including the main opposition CPN-UML were absent from the discussion.

Law Minister Ajay Shankar Nayak presented a proposal for discussion on the Bill saying that it was crucial to address the grievances prevalent in Madhes.

At the beginning of the House session, UML deputy Parliamentary Party leader Subash Chandra Nembang said his party was against the amendment because it was against the national interests and said his party would display ‘silent protest’. UML had announced it would boycott the discussion today, although it would allow the house proceedings to continue.

Likewise, lawmakers belonging to Nepal Workers Peasants Party chanted slogans demanding to withdraw the amendment bill.

Lawmakers form Madhes-based parties too are present in the discussion.

The next meeting of the Parliament has been scheduled for March 2.