Miscellaneous
Govt’s election moves irk UML
As the date for first phase of local level elections nears, the main opposition CPN-UML has started hardening its position, opposing the revised contents of the constitution amendment proposal and budget presentation between the polls.As the date for first phase of local level elections nears, the main opposition CPN-UML has started hardening its position, opposing the revised contents of the constitution amendment proposal and budget presentation between the polls.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Deputy PM Kamal Thapa on Wednesday, UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli challenged the government to pass the constitutional amendments from Parliament.
“The UML will not let the constitution amendment bill be approved, at any cost,” said Oli. To this, PM Dahal responded that the bill would be passed by a two-thirds majority even without the UML’s help.
To ensure the participation of Madhes-based parties in local polls, the government has registered an amendment proposal in the House, to which some revisions will be made on the basis of the agreements reached with the disgruntled parties.
“The charter amendment proposal is against national interests and is part of the conspiracy to foil the upcoming local elections,” said Oli, according to a UML leader.
In a heated debate, Deuba is learnt to have asked Oli whether he would allow the elections to be held or not. In response, Oli queried whether the ruling parties were serious about holding the polls. While Deuba urged Oli to support the constitution amendment proposal, Oli asked him to withdraw it.
Speaking at a function after the meeting, Oli said he had questioned why the government decided unilaterally to create around 100 new local units in 11 districts of the Tarai.