KATHMANDU, Sept 10: Opposition parties including the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML have taken strong exception to the prime minister´s remark that his party would take to the streets if the president does not endorse the draft ordinances forwarded by the government.
Accusing the government of trying to drag the president into controversy, NC CWC member Prakash Sharan Mahat said it was “illegal” of the prime minister to forward ordinances to the president without forging consensus with the opposition parties. “How can the prime minister issue such threats to the president?” he questioned.
Mahat also accused the prime minister of trying to divert people´s attention through his gimmickry. “The prime minister has failed to do anything significant. So he is trying to divert people´s attention through his gimmickry,” said Mahat, adding the prime minister should immediately step down to pave the way for formation of a national unity government.
Addressing a function organized to mark the death anniversary of slain Maoist leader Suresh Wagle in Aappipal Gorkha on Saturday, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai had warned of taking to the streets if the president did not endorse the ordinances forwarded by the government.
Among others, ordinances related Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Disappearance Commission are currently pending at the President´s Office for nearly three weeks now. Earlier, the president had returned two election-related ordinances to the government.
The opposition parties also criticized the government for not heeding to the suggestion of President Dr Ram Baran Yadav to forward him urgent ordinances through consensus between the political parties. During his recent meeting with top leaders of UCPN(Maoist), NC, UML and United Democratic Madhesi Front, the president had said that he would not endorse ordinances forwarded to him without forging consensus.
UML politburo member Surendra Pandey termed Bhattarai´s remarks as unbecoming to the prime minister. “This shows the prime minister´s utter incompetence,” said Pandey.
Talking to media persons at his official residence in Pulchowk Sunday, Maoist Vice Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha said the government forwarded the ordinances so as to facilitate the day-to-day functioning of the government.
“It is natural to express dissatisfaction when urgent ordinances are not approved by the president,” said Shrestha. “But the prime minister´s remark should not be misconstrued.”
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