Efforts underway to clear House impasse

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 9: A meeting of ruling and opposition party leaders, chaired by Speaker Devraj Ghimire, concluded without reaching a consensus. The ruling party and the main opposition remained steadfast in their respective stances regarding the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the cooperative fraud case. 

During the discussion, the ruling party refused to form such a committee, while the main opposition reiterated that they would not allow the House to function without its establishment.

Speaker Ghimire convened the discussion with the top leaders of both the ruling and main opposition parties at the Federal Parliament Building in Singha Durbar on Monday afternoon.

Among those present were Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', President of the main opposition Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba, Vice Chairman of the ruling CPN (UML) Bishnu Paudel, and Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party Ravi Lamichhane.

Following a meeting with Prime Minister Prachanda, discussions similarly concluded without resolution, as the main opposition, the Nepali Congress, maintained its position without yielding. The Nepali Congress has persistently demanded an inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of cooperative funds involving Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane and has consistently pushed for the constitution of a parliamentary inquiry committee.

Mahesh Kumar Bartaula, chief whip of CPN-UML, reported a lack of positive response from the Nepali Congress during the discussions, emphasising that forming an investigation committee solely based on political bias would be unjust. He suggested alternative avenues within parliamentary procedures to address the issues raised.

Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane briefly attended the meeting but left early, indicating the possibility of further discussions. However, no concrete progress was made.

Ramesh Lekhak, Chief Whip of the Congress, reiterated the party's stance, holding the government responsible for any disruption in parliamentary proceedings due to its refusal to address the demand for a parliamentary inquiry committee. He criticised the government's perceived indifference towards the citizens' concerns and emphasised the urgency of addressing alleged financial irregularities in cooperatives.

The Congress reiterated its commitment to its demands, emphasising the significance of investigating cases of financial irregularities involving cooperative funds. The party underscored its readiness to engage constructively in parliamentary proceedings provided that its demands were addressed.

Despite efforts to reach a consensus, it appears that both sides remain rooted in their positions. The upcoming session of the House of Representatives may face challenges as a result of this impasse.