Nepali opposition parties demand withdrawal of ordinances and parliamentary session

The abrupt end of the federal parliamentary session and the government’s recommendation to issue various ordinances have heated up Nepal’s political landscape.

The main opposition, Nepali Congress, along with other opposition parties, has expressed serious objections, labeling the government’s move as “undemocratic, unconstitutional, and unparliamentary.”

In a joint meeting held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday, opposition parties urged the government to abandon its arrogance and respect democratic values and norms. They demanded the withdrawal of the ordinances and the immediate convening of a parliamentary session.

**Opposition’s United Front and Arguments**

In a meeting that included leaders from the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party, the government was accused of encroaching on the legislature’s authority.

Ram Bahadur Thapa, leader of the UML parliamentary party, described the government’s move to introduce ordinances bypassing Parliament as “mysterious” and contrary to parliamentary dignity. According to him, the primary right to make laws belongs to Parliament, and by ignoring this, the government has mocked the parliamentary system. The UML has also requested the President, as the protector of the Constitution, to return the ordinances without approval.

Bhimaraj Angdembe, leader of the Congress parliamentary party, stated that opposition parties would strengthen mutual cooperation in the coming days and stand firmly against the government’s arbitrary actions. He argued that past government shortcomings cannot justify current undemocratic actions. Similarly, UML leader in the National Assembly, Prem Prasad Dangal, objected to the government’s attempt to govern through ordinances despite having a clear majority in Parliament. He expressed concern that if the upcoming budget and policies were also introduced through ordinances, it would render the House meaningless.

Yuvraj Dulal, chief whip of the CPN, accused the two-thirds majority government of veering towards authoritarianism out of fear of parliamentary discussion. He questioned the government’s intention in introducing five ordinances overnight, calling it a “childish” approach.

Congress MP Khadkabahadur Budha also expressed suspicion that there might be some “frightening” reason behind advancing bills bypassing Parliament.

**Ruling RSP’s Rebuttal and Clarification**

On the other hand, the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) defended the ordinances, calling them a bold step to rectify existing anomalies. The RSP claimed that while ordinances were previously used to split parties or for political revenge, the current practice is aimed at necessary reforms and filling legal voids, not to benefit anyone.

Party President Rabi Lamichhane stated that support or opposition to ordinances should be based on their purpose and content. He clarified that more than 110 positions in constitutional bodies are vacant, hindering performance, and ordinances are necessary for appointments. Lamichhane committed to prioritizing meritocracy in these appointments, ensuring opportunities for qualified citizens through open competition rather than recruiting their own people.

RSP whips Krantishikha Dhital and chief whip Kavindra Burlakoti also emphasized that the ordinances are focused on benefiting the general public and shortening cumbersome legal processes. They argued that ordinances are essential to expedite the return of cooperative victims’ money and the confiscation of assets from the guilty.

The RSP reminded that they are committed to parliamentary procedures and democratic values, highlighting that they have demonstrated high political culture by handing over the leadership of parliamentary committees even without opposition demands.