Opposition Parties Prepare to Raise Voice Against Government in Parliament

Kathmandu. Opposition parties including the main opposition are preparing to raise their voice in the parliament in protest of the government's working style. They are busy preparing to raise a strong voice in the parliament, alleging that the government has ignored issues of public concern.

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Joint meeting of opposition parties: Joint attention of the government with 9-point demands

Opposition parties, who first drew the government's attention with a 9-point demand on issues directly connected to the public, have held internal discussions with the intention of taking to the streets if necessary. The joint meeting of the chief whips of the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and the Communist Party of Nepal held on Thursday drew the government's attention to nine points regarding the country's recent political and social situation.

The opposition parties have objected to the removal of squatters and unorganized residents in Kathmandu Valley and various parts of the country without providing them with a suitable alternative or identification. They accuse the government of carrying out bulldozer terror instead of ensuring citizens' right to housing and arranging for safe shelter.

Similarly, the opposition parties have demanded that the government control inflation immediately and operate fair-price shops, citing that the price hike of daily necessities (dal, rice, vegetables, oil) has made the public's kitchens expensive.

They have urged the government to arrange for timely fertilizer supply as the planting season is about to begin.

The opposition parties, demanding immediate relief and compensation for farmers affected by bird flu in Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Chitwan, and Kathmandu, stated that the burden of inflation has been imposed on consumers under the pretext of rising petroleum prices.

Furthermore, they criticized the government for being opaque and undemocratic, alleging that opposition parties were completely ignored in the preparation of the economic year's policies, programs, and budget.

The opposition parties, who objected on Wednesday to amending laws through various ordinances by postponing the parliamentary session, drew the government's attention to issues like squatters and public concerns on Thursday.

CPN (UML) National Assembly Parliamentary Party leader Prem Prasad Dahal said that the opposition parties have first alerted the government through a 9-point agenda on public concern issues. 'In the first phase, we have raised issues of squatters, fertilizer shortage, bird flu, participation in budget preparation, and inflation control,' Dahal told Ratopati. 'It is our responsibility to alert, draw attention, and pressure the government on public issues.'

He stated that if the government does not listen even after being alerted and having its attention drawn, they will organize the public. 'If necessary, we will have to take to the streets,' he said. 'If this government were on the right track, we would not need to draw its attention at this time.'

Chief Whip of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) Parliamentary Party, Yuvraj Dulal, said that they will continue to put forth demands, draw the government's attention, and inform the public. 'We have drawn the government's attention with a 9-point agenda today,' Dulal said. 'We have not yet reached the point of agitation, as the government has not even completed its honeymoon period.'

Dulal stated that in the first phase, they have only cautioned the government to follow the path of law and order. He said that the government should not trouble the public by taking refuge in the past, citing ordinances and issues like squatters.

'The government is presenting itself as if it's okay to do what was done in the past, using the past as an excuse,' Dulal said. 'A government that came to power seeking public mandate by promising to bring the rule of law and good governance should not deceive the public.'

The opposition has concluded that good governance will not be achieved as the constitution and laws are on one side, while the government's behavior and practices are on the other. 'We have fulfilled our duty as an opposition party to solve the pressing problems of the public,' said leader Dulal. 'We have alerted and nudged them; whether they act on it is the government's responsibility.'

Dulal stated that in the second phase, they will raise the public's voice in parliamentary meetings. 'Even after that, if the government does not pay heed and continues on the wrong path, the road to the streets is open for us. We are aware that for the opposition, both the streets and the parliament are options.'

Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Chief Whip Basana Thapa said that the opposition will continue to raise its voice on public issues. 'We will keep raising our voice, but we are not thinking about going to the streets right now. If necessary, we will proceed after further discussion,' said Chief Whip Thapa.

On March 13th, a government was formed under the leadership of Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Balendra (Balen) Shah with a single majority. The government, which started by making some policy decisions to establish good governance immediately after its formation, has faced severe criticism for suddenly postponing the parliamentary session, amending dozens of laws through ordinances, and starting to run bulldozers in squatter settlements.

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