PM Oli claims unanimous support for ordinances

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a press conference on Wednesday at Singhadurbar to unveil the contents of four newly issued ordinances. The government had initially planned to issue five ordinances on Jan 10, but the ordinance related to land management was deferred by President Ramchandra Paudel. However, right after the press conference, President Paudel certified the fifth ordinance too.

During the 34-minute press conference, there was no Q&A session. For the first 17 minutes, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal provided details about the issued ordinances, followed by Prime Minister Oli explaining why the ordinances were issued and the reasons for not convening a parliamentary session. Prime Minister Oli concluded the conference without facing questions from the press.

Prime Minister Oli has asserted that there is no disagreement within the ruling party regarding the ordinances introduced by the government. He emphasized that the unity within the government parties has been strengthened through this process. “There is no disagreement, not even by a letter. The ordinances have come with full consensus,” said Oli.

He also claimed that the ordinances were introduced after listening to the top leadership of the Nepali Congress, the leadership of the bureaucracy, expert consultations, and the issues facing entrepreneurs. “The ordinances have been brought after much effort and preparation. They address the problems of the people and also promote good governance and development,” he added.

Regarding the opposition’s efforts to form a coalition, Prime Minister Oli likened it to attempting to block a river by throwing stones from the riverbank. He urged opposition parties to exercise their right to protest in a peaceful and civilized manner. “I have heard about the formation of a front. That is their right, and I respect it. However, I just suggest that it be done in a civilized manner. It must be peaceful and orderly,” he said.

He also clarified that the ordinances are not aimed at any individual or group. Referring to discussions about the parliament being obstructed, he dismissed these as rumors. “Who said that parliament is blocked? Parliament cannot be stopped unless it has already been called. It was adjourned after discussions, not because it was obstructed,” he questioned.

Prime Minister Oli explained that the delay in calling the parliament was due to the time needed to prepare the bills. “On the first day of the House session, we will present the ordinances in parliament. Within 60 days, we will introduce the replacement bills and have them passed,” he concluded.

Earlier on Wednesday, parliamentarians representing opposition parties including the major opposition—CPN (Maoist Center)—called for immediate running of the winter session of parliament. The meeting of the opposition party convened at the CPN (Maoist Center)’s parliamentary party’s office, they emphasized the need to summon the winter session of the parliament to deliberate on matters of public concern as well as to dwell on formulating legislations. 

Emerging from the meeting, Barshaman Pun, deputy general secretary of the CPN (Maoist Center), shared that the opposition parties have reached an understanding that they will take action to call the special session of parliament if the incumbent government continues to function ‘deceiving’ the institution of people’s representatives (parliament).

The constitutional provision has it that the Head of the State can summon a parliamentary session or meeting if one fourth of the total number of House of Representatives requests in writing for the same deeming it appropriate action. The constitution mandates that it requires signatures from at least 69 parliamentarians to request the Head of the State to call the special session of the parliament.

In attendance in the meeting were CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal and Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Acting Chairperson DP Aryal and leaders from Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Nepal Aam Aadmi Party, among others.