KATHMANDU: Last week witnessed significant developments in Nepal’s political landscape, primarily revolving around the emergence of the Ashok Rai-led Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP), divisions within the party, and its stance towards the government.
The Ashok Rai-led Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) was officially recognized as a new political entity by the Election Commission.
This recognition followed the completion of the registration process on Monday, with support from seven lawmakers from the House of Representatives (HoR) and 30 central committee members.
The formation of this party stemmed from a split from the Upendra Yadav-led Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, prompted by disagreements within the party. Notably, among the 12 lawmakers of JSP Nepal in the HoR, Ashok Rai garnered significant support.
Amidst these developments, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal firmly denied any involvement in the split of the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal.
His denial came amidst speculation suggesting orchestrated divisions to safeguard his government.
Following its recognition by the Election Commission, the newly-formed Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) decided to maintain its support for the incumbent government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
The Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) finalized and signed a contract with Linxon India Pvt. Ltd. for the construction of the 400 kV New Butwal Substation in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) district, situated in Lumbini Province.
However, amidst the formation of the Rai-led JSP and the existing Upendra Yadav-led faction, a third faction emerged within the Janata Samajwadi Party under the leadership of Dr. Mahendra Lawoti and Khagendra Makhim.
This faction opted for neutrality and independence, refraining from aligning with either Upendra Yadav or Ashok Rai’s factions.
Notably, Limbhuwan leaders, who had previously united with JSP, chose to remain neutral.
This new faction included leaders who joined JSP under Ashok Rai’s leadership after departing from CPN-UML, as well as Professor Mahendra Lawoti, who decided to maintain an independent stance.
Meanwhile, last week, Suhang Nemwang, representing the CPN-UML, officially assumed his role as a Member of Parliament following his victory in the by-election held in Ilam Constituency-2 on April 27.
He took part in the swearing-in ceremony held at Singha Durbar last week.
Nemwang’s electoral success in Ilam-2, where he secured 27,772 votes, was notable for his defeat of Dambar Bahadur Khadka from the Nepali Congress, who garnered 21,942 votes.
In another development, MCA-Nepal signed contract to construct 400 kV New Butwal Substation at Nawalparasi last week.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” last week pledged to take the lead in diplomatic initiatives aimed at rescuing Nepali nationals serving in the Russian army.
The Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) finalized and signed a contract with Linxon India Pvt. Ltd. for the construction of the 400 kV New Butwal Substation in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) district, situated in Lumbini Province.
This infrastructure project involves the establishment of a 400 kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation, with construction slated to be completed within a duration of 39 months.
The signing ceremony, held in Bhumahi, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), witnessed the presence of notable figures including Kul Man Ghising, the Managing Director for Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and His Excellency Dean R. Thompson, the U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, alongside local authorities and elected representatives.
During the event, Ambassador Dean R. Thompson expressed the U.S. Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Government of Nepal to ensure the successful implementation of the compact, particularly addressing Nepal’s energy requirements.
He emphasized the significance of the 400 kV New Butwal Substation in enhancing Nepal’s transmission capacity, which in turn would contribute to providing reliable and affordable electricity for household consumption, fostering the growth of commercial and industrial enterprises, and facilitating cross-border electricity trading.
Meanwhile, in another development last week, the Home Ministry, under the leadership of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, took measures to address the misuse of hospital admissions as a tactic to evade custody.
A comprehensive set of guidelines was issued with the aim of curbing this practice effectively.
Outlined within these directives are specific criteria for determining the legitimacy of hospital admissions for individuals under arrest. According to the guidelines, hospital admission will only be authorized if the individual is physically or mentally unwell, or if they suffer from a chronic medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, necessitating immediate medical attention.
The decision regarding the necessity of hospital treatment will be entrusted to qualified medical professionals registered either with a government hospital or the Nepal Medical Council.
The obstruction primarily originated from the Nepali Congress, the main opposition party, along with other opposition factions, who have pledged to continue impeding parliamentary proceedings until a committee is formed to investigate a cooperative fraud case.
Meanwhile, an incident has occurred last week involving a Nepali youth from Bhojpur district who had enlisted in the Russian Army and subsequently lost his life in the conflict in Ukraine.
The deceased, identified as Pritam Rai, aged 36 and hailing from Pauwadungma Rural Municipality in Bhojpur, was engaged in the conflict on the Russian side. His brother, Kiran Rai, serving as the Chairperson of Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, confirmed the unfortunate demise of Pritam, which occurred last Thursday during the hostilities.
Reports suggest that a significant number of Nepali youths are participating in the conflict, fighting on both the Russian and Ukrainian sides, with many having tragically lost their lives.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” last week pledged to take the lead in diplomatic initiatives aimed at rescuing Nepali nationals serving in the Russian army.
During a meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar with representatives advocating for the safety of Nepali citizens in the Russian Army, Prime Minister Dahal assured decisive action to facilitate the safe return of Nepali nationals currently serving in Russia.
Reaffirming his commitment to addressing the concerns of families with relatives serving in the Russian Army, Prime Minister Dahal reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nepali nationals abroad.
On another political front, amidst obstruction from opposition parties, the budget session of the parliament was postponed until May 14.
Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire took this decision in response to the ongoing deadlock within the parliamentary proceedings. The next session is scheduled to convene at 6 PM on May 14.
This follows new regulations mandated by the Supreme Court aimed at regulating future expeditions and ensuring the safety and sustainability of mountaineering activities on the world’s highest peak.
The obstruction primarily originated from the Nepali Congress, the main opposition party, along with other opposition factions, who have pledged to continue impeding parliamentary proceedings until a committee is formed to investigate a cooperative fraud case.
Meanwhile, last week, two individuals were apprehended by police in the Durbarmarg area with an undisclosed source of Rs 98 lakhs.
SSP Sanuram Bhattarai, the Head of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects, both residents of Butwal in Rupandehi, were found in possession of the significant sum.
On the tourism front, a significant milestone was achieved with the season’s inaugural ascent of Mount Everest, as a group of 10 Sherpas from Nepal successfully reached the summit at 8:15 pm last week.
Led by Dendi Sherpa, the team not only accomplished the formidable task of scaling the peak but also conducted crucial rope hanging, ensuring safe passage for future climbers.
This year, 414 climbers from 41 teams have been granted permission to undertake Mount Everest expeditions.
This follows new regulations mandated by the Supreme Court aimed at regulating future expeditions and ensuring the safety and sustainability of mountaineering activities on the world’s highest peak.
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