Nepali Congress Shows Flexibility in Parliament Reopening Discussions

The Nepali Congress (NC) has demonstrated flexibility regarding the smooth functioning and reopening of the parliament. This move comes amidst ongoing discussions surrounding Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane’s alleged involvement in a cooperative fraud case.

The NC has indicated its willingness to form a parliamentary committee, allowing Lamichhane to address Parliament despite facing allegations. However, this decision has also sparked concerns about potential obstruction in parliamentary proceedings.

The party’s readiness to consider Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s proposal for the formation of a probe committee, contingent upon Lamichhane’s parliamentary address, has initiated internal deliberations within the NC.

Additionally, the scheduled Parliament meeting for Thursday at 11 am has been deferred to 4 pm, indicating the ongoing discussions and decision-making process within the NC parliamentary party.

NC Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak stated that the party is currently engaged in informal discussions to determine the necessary decision and strategy. He emphasized that the Prime Minister’s directive to allow the Home Minister to speak in Parliament and initiate committee formation has prompted flexibility from NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba.

In the absence of discussions on government policies and programs, the Prime Minister’s decision to allow Lamichhane’s speech and propose parliamentary committee formation with the NC presents a middle-ground option.

Lekhak further elaborated that both the Speaker and the Prime Minister have urged NC President Deuba to allow the Home Minister’s address first, followed by committee formation, highlighting the ongoing negotiations and cooperation between the political parties involved.