Opposition Including UML Oppose Certification of Citizenship Bill

The parliamentary session on Sunday witnessed a wave of opposition as Members of Parliament from various political parties voiced their concerns against the certification of the Citizenship Bill. MPs representing the CPN-UML, RSP, and RPP rose from their seats, raising objections to the proposed legislation.

The Chief Whip of the UML, Padam Giri, wasted no time in expressing his discontent. He argued that the verification of the defunct Bill was unconstitutional and demanded its inactivation. Giri emphasized the need for drafting a new bill that adheres to the constitutional framework.

Giri’s objection also stemmed from Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda’s alleged statement during his recent visit to India. The UML Chief Whip raised concerns that the Prime Minister had expressed a willingness to exchange Kalapani for the Phulwari port of Bangladesh. Giri insisted that Prime Minister Prachanda should formally apologize in parliament, failing which the normal functioning of the legislative body would be hindered.

Santosh Pariyar, the Chief Whip of the RSP, echoed Giri’s sentiments, emphasizing that the process of verifying the Citizenship Bill was flawed. Pariyar further added that a thorough reconsideration of the bill was necessary to address the concerns raised by opposition parties.

Rajendra Lingden, Chairman of the RPP, also voiced his protest against the certification of the bill. He criticized the alleged misuse of the presidential institution for power interests, suggesting that such actions undermined the democratic process.