Opposition Demands Parliamentary Probe into PM's Remarks and Tax Changes

Kathmandu. The opposition party, CPN (UML), has demanded a parliamentary investigation into the Prime Minister's controversial remarks and the alteration of tax rates in the finance bill.

Pramila Aryal, Deputy Leader of the CPN (UML) Parliamentary Party, stated that the Prime Minister's recent remarks have tarnished national pride and that serious economic crimes have been committed in the budget-making process, necessitating a high-level investigation.

Although dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition is ongoing to resume the session, the UML has maintained its stance on its demands. Deputy Leader Aryal has termed the act of taking the finance bill back to the ministry after it was presented in parliament to change tax rates and figures as an 'economic crime'.

She argued that unauthorized changes to a bill within the jurisdiction of parliament are a serious violation of economic discipline. Specifically claiming that there was extreme corruption in the tax alteration of the Chinese electric vehicle 'BYD', she commented that this was not a policy-level but a 'deliberate corruption'. Recalling the precedent of a special parliamentary committee being formed in the past regarding the controversy of unauthorized entry and tax alteration during the budget-making process for the fiscal year 2079/80, Aryal demanded the formation of a parliamentary investigation committee this time as well to ascertain the facts.

Speaking to journalists at the Parliament building premises, Deputy Leader Aryal said, 'For whose interests were the numbers passed in parliament and then changed in the ministry? Who are the specific groups and individuals who benefited from this? The concerned minister must answer this.'

According to Deputy Leader Aryal, the opposition will continue until a clear answer is given in parliament regarding the Prime Minister Balendra Shah's irresponsible remarks, which are contrary to diplomatic protocol and undermine national sovereignty. Although various options are currently being discussed between the ruling party and the opposition for a way out, the UML has made it clear that it will not compromise on the issues of national interest and economic transparency.