KATHMANDU: Lawmakers of the main opposition party, CPN (UML), have boycotted Friday’s meeting of the National Assembly (NA).

The Upper House had an agenda in which Finance Minister Janardan Sharma was to present the proposal for clause-wise discussion on ‘Finance Bill-2079’ today.

The Bill was passed by the House of Representatives.

The CPN (UML) has been demanding formation of a probe committee, blaming the Finance Minister Sharma of manipulating tax rates in collusion with an unauthorized person a day before presenting budget in the parliament.

In the beginning of the meeting, CPN (UML) lawmaker Bhairab Sundar Shrestha said they would continue the protest until fair investigation is initiated into the case.

He shared that they boycotted the meeting as the UPN (UML) Parliamentary party meeting decided not to sit in the meeting until demand is addressed.

With this, the CPN (UML) lawmakers exited from the meeting, citing they would not participate in the discussion on the issue related with Finance Bill.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Chairperson Ganesh Prasad Timilsina forwarded the agenda ahead amidst the UML’s boycott.

The meeting passed the proposal for clause-wise discussion on the Finance Bill-2079 at the Upper House presented by Finance Minister Sharma with majority. (RSS)