Congress becomes upset with UML on the land bill after being deceived at ‘cooling period’

Kathmandu – Tensions are mounting between Nepal’s ruling parties, the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, as they begin to view each other with increasing suspicion. This friction surfaced during discussions about the passage of a new land-related bill intended to amend several existing laws.

The CPN-UML has expressed readiness to accept all amendments proposed by Nepali Congress lawmakers, both individually and collectively, to the bill. However, instead of preparing to approve the legislation, Congress has grown more skeptical of UML’s intentions.

Typically, such acceptance would please a political ally, but Congress harbors doubts, particularly given past instances where UML made unexpected moves. Despite UML’s commitment on Monday to incorporate Congress’ amendments directly into the bill, Congress General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma remain wary.

Key figures, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Land Management Minister Balram Adhikari, and Congress Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire, met at the Congress parliamentary office to deliberate. While UML’s representatives, Adhikari and Mahesh Bartaula, reiterated their willingness to incorporate Congress’ amendments, Congress sought more time for further study.

Despite UML’s preparations to fast-track the bill through the House on July 9, it was halted due to Congress’ warnings. The bill proposes allowing surplus agricultural and industrial land to be sold for real estate purposes and distributing public land to landless squatters.

Congress legislators opposed passing the bill as it stood, demanding committee discussions. After Monday’s discussions concluded without consensus, General Secretary Thapa informed that talks are ongoing.

A history of perceived betrayal by UML, including during the Constitutional Council Bill and Civil Service Bill incidents, fuels Congress’ reluctance. Congress lawmakers suspect manipulations in sections of the bill beyond the proposed amendments, necessitating detailed scrutiny.

Congress member Nagin Yadav voiced concerns about potentially dangerous clauses beyond the visible amendments. This suspicion prompts Congress lawmakers to plan collective discussions and further party deliberations before proceeding.

Congress legislators argue previous experiences with strategic UML maneuvers have tarnished their reputation, citing instances where decisions were reversed at different legislative stages. They demand a serious approach to such issues to avoid being repeatedly caught off guard.

In the latest discussions, UML struggled to respond to inquiries regarding their legislative tactics, further eroding trust. For CPN-UML, passing the land bill is a matter of prestige, while Congress is determined to ensure it does not advance without addressing their concerns.

The bill proposes amendments to key sections of the existing land laws, allowing designated companies to develop and sell real estate and enabling the distribution of certain public lands. With both parties deeply invested in their positions, the bill has become a pivotal point of contention within the ruling coalition.