KATHMANDU: Speaker Devraj Ghimire continued his efforts to resolve the ongoing parliament impasse by engaging in discussions with major opposition Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Home Minister and President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on the eve of the government’s scheduled unveiling of policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year.
During the meeting, the Speaker urged the major opposition party and the Home Minister to reach a consensus to resolve the impasse before a joint sitting of both houses of the Federal Parliament, which is to be addressed by President Ramchandra Paudel on May 14.
He stressed the importance of cooperation to ensure the smooth functioning of the House, especially considering the gravity of the upcoming joint session where the Head of State will present the government’s policies and programs for the next fiscal year, with diplomats invited for observation.
In response, Deuba clarified that the NC has not demanded the resignation of the Home Minister over his alleged involvement in the misappropriation of cooperage funds.
He reiterated the party’s stance on the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the matter.
“Subsequent parliamentary meetings will proceed automatically if the situation allows for the formation of the parliamentary committee,” Deuba added, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to consider the opposition’s concerns.
RSP President Lamichhane requested the Speaker to allocate time for him to express his views during the House of Representatives meeting convened to express gratitude to the President.
The Speaker assured to consider his request if the situation permits.
Earlier in the day, the Speaker also met with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and National Assembly (NA) Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal on the matter.
He is scheduled to hold telephone conversations with CPN (UML) Chairperson KP Sharma Oli regarding the ongoing impasse.
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