KATHMANDU: The main opposition party, the Nepali Congress, has decided to boycott meetings of parliamentary committees in addition to continuing its obstruction of Parliament.
Nepali Congress leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe said the party would not participate in parliamentary committee meetings until June 8 unless Prime Minister Balen Shah apologizes in Parliament.
The House of Representatives has already been adjourned until June 8 due to continuous obstruction by opposition parties.
The controversy erupted after Prime Minister Shah, during a question-answer session in the House on Sunday, remarked that “Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory.” The Nepali Congress has demanded that he apologize for the statement, accusing him of making remarks that undermine national interests.
Other opposition parties have also joined the protests in Parliament.
The Nepali Congress has further objected to the recent endorsement of the House of Representatives Regulations, alleging that they were passed through the use of the ruling coalition’s majority and contain provisions that place lawmakers above the law.
In protest, the party has now decided to boycott meetings of parliamentary committees as well.
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