KATHMANDU: Top leaders of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) have objected to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s move to bring an ordinance to amend the Constitutional Council Act.
Five disgruntled leaders, including NCP Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” came to such conclusion during an emergency meeting at Prachanda’s residence in Khumaltar on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Prachanda, senior leaders Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhalanath Khanal, Vice Chairman Bamdev Gautam, and party Spokesperson Narayankaji Shrestha.
“It is very objectionable to bring this ordinance. We have taken the issue of bringing this ordinance without any consultation and discussion seriously,” senior leader Khanal said after the meeting.
Khanal added that the Standing Committee meeting slated for Wednesday will discuss the issue seriously.
President Bidya Devi Bhandari today issued an ordinance on the Constitutional Council (Work, Duties, Rights, and Procedures).
According to the President’s Office, President Bhandari issued the ordinance on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in accordance with Article 114 (1) of the Constitution.
The Constitutional Council chaired by the Prime Minister has the leader of the main opposition party, Chief Justice, Speaker, Chairman of the National Assembly, and the Deputy Speaker as members.
After the issuance of the ordinance, the meeting can be held if the majority of members of the Constitutional Council are present.
Earlier, the quorum for the meeting was considered to be reached only when the council Chairperson and four members were present.
Among the members of the council, the post of deputy speaker is currently vacant. In this case, the quorum for the meeting would have been reached only if all the other members were present.
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