NC explores alternatives to pass ordinance in National Assembly

Kathmandu, February 14 — Following the decision of the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP)-Nepal and the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP)-Nepal to reject the government’s ordinance, discussions were held among the establishment faction leaders of the Nepali Congress to resolve the issue. 

The talks, initiated by the leader of the National Assembly parliamentary party, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, took place at party president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha.

The discussion focused on finding alternative methods to pass the ordinance. According to a leader present at the meeting, a decision was made to try and convince the CPN (Unified Socialist) to support the ordinance in the National Assembly.

JSP-Nepal, which supports the coalition government, and LSP-Nepal, which is in the government, had both rejected the ordinance related to land reforms.

JSP-Nepal’s parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday decided to reject the ordinance, while LSP-Nepal's chairman Mahanta Thakur issued a statement on Wednesday announcing his party’s rejection as well. 

As the likelihood of the ordinance passing in the National Assembly became uncertain due to the opposition from these two parties, Krishna Prasad Sitaula and other establishment leaders of Nepali Congress discussed options to resolve the issue. 

The meeting also included discussions about the implementation of the 7-point agreement made during the formation of the government, with leaders expressing concerns about the obstruction of this agreement by the CPN (UML). 

Additionally, the Nepali Congress leadership discussed plans for the party’s 15th General Convention.

Party president Sher Bahadur Deuba confirmed that the responsibility to hold the convention rests with him, and he expressed his readiness to create the necessary environment for the event.

The current central committee’s term will end in December 2025.