Congress and UML form two-party task force in Parliament

Kathmandu, December 25 — The two major ruling parties, the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), have formed a two-party task force in Parliament.

The decision was made during a meeting of the leaders of both parties held on Tuesday evening at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar.

According to Yogesh Bhattarai, the parliamentary department head of CPN (UML) and a member of the task force, the task force will consist of the parliamentary department heads, chief whips, whips, and the chief whip of the National Assembly from both parties.

The task force's mandate is to help facilitate the smooth operation of Parliament, assist with the discussion of business in Parliament, and facilitate discussions on pending legislative matters.

Bhattarai also shared that while discussions had taken place regarding forming a mechanism to advance the constitutional amendment process, no final decision had been reached.

Bhattarai added, “The task force has been formed to create an environment where all pending bills can be passed in the upcoming session of Parliament. The task force will hold discussions at the highest level on unresolved issues related to pending bills and will engage in talks with other political parties in Parliament.”

In the Baluwatar discussion, Nepali Congress leaders included Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, General Secretary Gagan Thapa, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba.

CPN (UML) was represented by Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel, General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel, Deputy General Secretary and Prime Minister's Chief Political Adviser Bishnu Rimal.

Previously, the two parties had formed an 8-member task force to manage and organize government operations, which has also been expanded to the provincial and district levels.