Parties make no progress in ending deadlock

Published On: December 27, 2016 08:40 AM NPT


- Put the amendment bill on hold and declare local poll date - NC
- Withdraw or put on hold the amendment bill and declare local poll date - UML
- Package deal either on bill’s content or House procedure - Maoist Center
- Revise amendment bill - Madhes-based parties
- Form a mechanism and declare local poll date - RPP 

KATHMANDU, Dec 27: Political parties have floated their own proposals to end the House deadlock during a meeting summoned by Speaker Onsari Gharti on Monday. 

Main opposition CPN-UML has proposed that the constitution amendment bill should be either withdrawn or put on hold and date for local election should be announced. “The ball is in government’s court for ending the House obstruction. We have suggested either withdrawing or putting on hold the amendment proposal and declaring the election date,” said UML Vice Chairman Bhim Rawal. 

Ruling Nepali Congress (NC) however had proposed putting the amendment proposal on hold and declaring election date. NC leaders had also urged the opposition parties to either agree on the amendment  bill in its current form or agree to the House procedure. “We have two options for ending the deadlock. Declaring date for the local poll by putting on hold the amendment bill, or forging consensus either on the bill’s content or House procedure,” said NC General Secretary Shashank Koirala. 

However, Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal had proposed a package deal on all contentious issues. “We have agreed to continue informal negotiations to find a solution either on the House procedure or in the bill’s content,” said Maoist leader Pampha Bhusal. 

Leaders from agitating Madhes-based political parties speaking at the meeting suggested revising the amendment bill “We can accept the amendment only if the bill is revised,” said Madhesi Peoples Right Forum Democratic leader Yogendra Chaudhari. 

In the meeting, Rastriya Prajatantra Party had proposed forming an independent mechanism to suggest the resolution of Madhes agitation and announcing the date for local poll under the federal setup.

 The parties have decided to continue the informal dialogue, said the leaders.


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