PM optimistic about House proceedings

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 14: Amid ongoing protests by the main opposition Nepali Congress, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is optimistic about the smooth functioning of the Parliament. 

President Ramchandra Paudel is scheduled to present the government’s policy and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year in the joint session of the House on Tuesday. 

The main opposition party has warned of obstructing the session until the government forms a parliament committee to investigate the alleged involvement of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane in cooperative frauds while DPM Lamichhane as well as CPN-UML chairman KP Sharma Oli have been against the formation of such a committee. 

Amid hectic schedules in Chitwan and Kathmandu, the Prime Minister held meetings with top leaders of the ruling parties to end the row. However, no progress was made in forging consensus by the time this news story was prepared. 

In Chitwan, PM Prachanda voiced optimism that the prevailing political deadlock would soon be resolved, ensuring the regular functioning of the House. In a meeting with prominent figures from Chitwan on Monday, the Prime Minister assured that both informal and formal dialogues among political factions were nearing resolution.

Acknowledging the ongoing impasse in the House, Prime Minister Prachanda emphasised the urgency of reaching a consensus, stressing the need for intensive discussions among parties. Addressing concerns regarding the government’s stability, he reaffirmed that the current coalition was committed to operating in accordance with the agreed-upon terms.

“The impasse in the House persists, but today we must resolve this. Intensive discussions between the parties will be paramount in achieving this goal,” said PM Prachanda.

However, despite these assurances, the political landscape remained turbulent, with the Nepali Congress asserting its stance against proceeding with House sessions until an investigation committee is formed to probe allegations against Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister  Lammichhane.

“The Nepali Congress party has taken a firm stance, boycotting House proceedings and warning of further obstruction if our demands are not promptly addressed,” said Min Bahadur Bishwakarma, Member of Parliament and head of the Nepali Congress’s Publicity Department

Moreover, the Nepali Congress has extended their protest to the Koshi province assembly, denouncing Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki’s vote of confidence as a contempt of court against the Supreme Court’s ongoing proceedings.

“The Koshi CM violated the law by forcefully obtaining a vote of confidence while a case was pending in the Supreme Court. Nepali Congress opposes such unlawful practices and condemns the actions of the Koshi government,” said Bishwakarma.

Bishwakarma affirmed that the Nepali Congress remains steadfast in its demand for accountability and adherence to the rule of law, refraining from allowing President Ramchandra Paudel to address the House until an investigation committee is established to address the cooperative fraud allegations.

Likewise, Monday evening, Prime Minister Prachanda, CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, and Deputy Prime Minister Ravi Lamichhane convened a crucial meeting at Singh Durbar. 

Following the discussion, DPM Lamichhane addressed the media, expressing his earnest desire to confront the accusations against him in the House.

“Given the continuous allegations, I believe I should have the opportunity to respond at least once. Denying me this right is unjust. Only after that should the possibility of forming an investigation committee be considered,” said DPM Lamichhane.