Oli suggests provincial assemblies decide capitals

Published On: January 19, 2018 04:36 AM NPT By: Republica  | @RepublicaNepal


Hints at new govt changing governors  
KATHMANDU, Jan 19: CPN-UML Chairman K P Oli has urged people agitating in different districts of the country demanding that their preferred towns and cities be declared the provincial capitals to let the constitutional procedures be followed. 

Upon his arrival back in the capital on Thursday following regular health checkups in Thailand, Oli, who is widely seen as the prime minister in waiting, said that the responsibility of finalizing the provincial capitals has been given to the provincial assemblies and the respective assemblies should wisely decide their own capitals. 

Asked about the UML's take on the government decision to choose the temporary provincial capitals, Oli said, "UML had asked the government to choose the capitals in an exercise of its constitutional authority but we didn't give our consent for the cities chosen". 

“The ball is now in the court of the provincial assemblies and they can decide the capitals based on already-set procedures. I suggest the public not  engage itself over this issue for long,” he added. According to the constitution, the provincial assemblies can change the temporary capitals through a two-thirds majority vote. 

Oli accused the government of not seeking a consensus with the left alliance while taking major decisions and also termed the National Assembly election ordinance unconstitutional. 

Asked whether the next government, which is expected to be formed under his leadership, will remove the newly appointed governors, Oli indicated that this may happen. “We first need to know more about them before taking any decision. I think the decision to the appoint governors was taken just to ease the process. It  was not taken by the government with the fresh popular mandate.” The UML would think about it at the appropriate time, he added. 

Asked about progress in party unification between UML and CPN (Maoist Center), Oli said it may take over 20 days. Earlier, while leaving for Bangkok last week, he had claimed that it would take shape within 20 days. 

“Homework is underway for party unification and I urge one and all not to harbor any doubt about unification between the two parties materializing,” he said. Different task forces have been at work to finalize common candidates for the National Assembly elections and for government formation in the provinces, he further said. 

Oli left for Bangkok on Wednesday last week and was scheduled to return on Monday. But his stay in the Thai capital was prolonged as several checkups had not concluded as scheduled, said Oli. 

Terming media reports about his meeting various individuals as 'fiction', Oli urged the media to carry content promoting issues related to prosperity and to better inform society. “I read many fictions in Nepali online portals which said I was holding dialogues to reinstate the monarchy,” he said.  

Oli also vented ire accusing the government of misinterpreting the constitution to prolong its stay in office. He was of the view that the Nepali Congress was setting a wrong precedent while implementing the new statute. 


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