HoR dissolution against constitution: NC leader Dev

Kathmandu - Leader of the main opposition Nepali Congress Jitendra Narayan Dev on Friday argued there was no provision in the constitution of Nepal for the Prime Minister who has a majority in the House of Representatives (HoR) to dissolve it. The HoR shall not be resolved except a special situation according to the constitution, he said. Stating that there were various alternatives in place to form the government from within the HoR for political stability, he viewed that problems within party should not be made a problem of the entire country.

His party would not speak a lot about the matter as the issue of HoR dissolution is under sub-judice in the court, he said. The leader was putting his view at the session of the National Assembly (upper house) that began on Friday. Announcement of the mid-term elections at a time when the country is reeling under economic crisis caused by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is not for the welfare of the country, he viewed. Maneuvering from neighbouring countries lately would weaken country's nationality, according to leader Dev. He also sought response to the reports that the government tried to tap mobile phones of its rival leaders. Accusing the government of bringing a provision related to the constitutional council through an ordinance against the spirit of the constitution, he demanded its repeal.

Likewise, lawmaker Dev suggested that the government sought long term solution to problems of sugarcane farmers and the common view of all parties and stakeholders on foreign policy, national security and human resources policy after a consultation. Similarly, stating that the HoR dissolution by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was an unconstitutional move, leader of Janata Samajbadi Party Pramila Kumari accused President of failing to act in this regard with 'caution'. She demanded HoR reinstatement.