KATHMANDU: Tensions flared between ruling and opposition MPs in the House of Representatives on Thursday, following the drafting of a three-point agreement at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.
However, despite initial progress, the situation escalated unexpectedly.
Here’s an insider’s perspective, as articulated by Joint General Secretary of Nepali Congress, Jiwan Pariyar:
Vice Chairman of the rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Dr. Swarnim Wagle, proposed during discussions that Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane be allowed to address the House of Representatives.
“I insisted that some form of agreement regarding the investigation committee must be reached before Lamichhane’s address,” stated Pariyar.
Subsequently, a general draft was formulated, with Pariyar participating in the discussions.
However, he stated that while he was engaged in the process, the final document might not be wholly accepted by his party. “I will bring this document to my party for discussion,” he affirmed.
Parivar emphasized that the draft represented the agreement reached thus far, but its acceptance by his party remained uncertain.
“I also forwarded this draft to my party, where it underwent thorough discussion. Subsequently, the Nepali Congress formulated another set of three points. This underscores the reality of the situation,” he stated.
It’s important to note that these three points aren’t universally accepted; certain amendments are deemed necessary. Hence, we announced our proposal yesterday to address these concerns, Pariya stated.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party proposed formation of a parliamentary investigation committee to address cooperatives problems.
It also proposed to undertake a comprehensive review of current legal and institutional frameworks concerning the misappropriation and improper use of cooperative savers’ funds, as raised by MPs, including major opposition parties.
The RSP further proposed to provide suggestions and recommendations for legal recourse following a thorough examination of individuals, organizations, and companies exploiting the system unfairly.
Meanwhile, Nepali Congress, the main opposition, alongside other opposition parties, brought attention to the issue of embezzlement, misuse, misappropriation, and fraud concerning funds collected from cooperative depositors.
The Nepali Congress recommended solutions to address the crisis in cooperatives, including conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current legal and institutional frameworks concerning embezzlement, abuse, misappropriation, and fraud affecting cooperative depositors.
It also proposed necessary measures to safeguard distressed depositors and ensure the timely return of at-risk deposits.
The NC also emphasized on carrying out investigation on individuals and entities benefiting unfairly from Supreme Cooperative, Suryadarshan Cooperative, Swarnalaxmi Cooperative, and other financial institutions.
The party proposed to specifically examine violations of the Cooperative Act and the involvement of Rabi Lamichhane, the then Managing Director of Gorkha Media Network Pvt. Ltd., along with shareholders and directors of such companies and provide recommendations for legal actions.
After presenting three key points, I forwarded them to RSP Vice Chairman Wagle’s and the Prime Minister. Their response was a firm rejection.
Following this, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, the leader of our party in the National Assembly, directly talked with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at around 3 o’clock.
Sitaula informed the PM him that two drafts had been prepared and urged to commence discussions and negotiations that very evening (Thursday).
However, the Prime Minister insisted on discussing these matters within the Parliament and resolving the issues there.
It’s likely he consulted with alliance leaders and his party members beforehand.
Nonetheless, it appears that CPN-UML did not agree with this approach.
Comment